Why do I need a will?

By making a will, you can ensure that your possessions are passed on to the people and charities that you have chosen. If you do not have a will, the state will decide how your property should be distributed.

How do I make a will?

We suggest that you choose a solicitor to write your will. If you don't know any solicitors, our Legacy Manager, John Ashley can provide you with names of legal firms in your area. Please call him on 0344 515 2062. Alternatively, the Law Society of Scotland will be able to provide you with a list of local solicitors.

You should be clear about the amount and type of gift you would like to leave to your beneficiaries. Before consulting a solicitor, consider the value of your possessions and decide what you would like to leave, and to whom. Our 'Valuing your assets' form can help you do this.

What are the different types of legacy?

A residuary legacy is the gift of the remainder of your estate (or a percentage of the remainder) after all other gifts to friends and family have been distributed and all outgoings have been dealt with.

A residuary legacy is especially valuable to Shelter Scotland because the growing value of your assets protects it against inflation.

A pecuniary legacy is a fixed sum of money that tends to decrease in value over time because of inflation. For example, a legacy of £1,000 written into a will in 1980 would now be worth less than £380. However, it is possible to index-link a pecuniary legacy, to ensure that the legacy maintains its intended value.

Why should I keep my will up to date?

Once a will has been made, it is important to keep it up to date and account for any changes in your circumstances. For example, you may now have had a child or grandchild, you may have moved home, or your financial situation may have changed. It is also advisable to reconsider the contents of your will regularly to make sure that it still reflects your wishes.

How do I amend my will?

A codicil is an addition to a Will that states any changes you wish to make, and is easily made by a solicitor. Adding a codicil to your existing will may be a simple way for you to leave a legacy to Shelter Scotland. However, if you are making significant changes, it is advisable to make a new will. The new will should start with a clause stating that it revokes all previous wills and codicils.