Wills are an important part of life planning but making one doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, an online will-writing appointment is a straightforward process where you can describe your wishes, ask questions, and see how they translate into a legal document. By preparing beforehand, you can go into the appointment feeling relaxed and focused.
How an Online Will-Writing Appointment Works
An online will-writing appointment is typically conducted via video or telephone call. During the appointment, a qualified will writer will discuss your current situation, your assets, and any individuals or charities you wish to include in your will.
The purpose of the appointment is to gather enough information to draw up a will that meets your requirements. You might discuss who will inherit from your estate, who should manage your affairs after your death, and whether there are any specific items you would like to leave to individuals or groups.
Usually, the online appointment is the first step. Following the meeting, the will-writer will send you a draft will for your review. Once you’ve had the chance to check the document and ask any additional questions, the will can be finalised and signed.
What to Prepare Before the Appointment
You don’t need to have everything figured out ahead of time, but it does help to plan what you’d like to say. Before the appointment, make a list of the following:
- People who you want to leave an inheritance to
- Any specific gifts you would like to make
- Who would you like to be the executor(s)
- If you have young children or other dependants and who should look after them
- An overview of your assets, including your property, bank accounts, investments and valuables
- Any complex family issues that may require special consideration
- Any questions you would like to ask during the appointment
It is also a good idea to have all the relevant full names to hand. Getting the small details right is important in legal documents and having them to hand will ensure the appointment runs smoothly.
Talking About Beneficiaries and Your Requirements
One of the main topics discussed during the appointment is who should receive your estate. These are called your beneficiaries. You might choose to leave everything to one individual, share your estate among multiple people, or leave specific items to certain people.
The will writer might ask if you want to leave a percentage of your estate to someone or a specific sum. They may also ask what you would like to happen if any of your beneficiaries pass away before you. While these details may seem minor, they will help ensure your wishes are carried out without confusion.
If your personal circumstances are complicated, the appointment is the time to clarify things. The more information the will-writer has, the easier it is to draw up a will that meets your needs.
Choosing Executors
The next stage of an online will-writing appointment (visit this page) might involve selecting your executors. Executors are the people who carry out your wishes after you die. This might involve completing legal forms, paying off any debts owed, collecting assets and handing over your inheritance.
During the appointment, you will typically be asked who you’d like to appoint as your executors. Most people choose someone close to them, such as family or a trusted friend. Ideally, your executors should be trustworthy, organised and impartial.
You can often choose multiple executors. While this might divide the workload between them, it’s still a good idea to choose people who are likely to work well together and be able to make decisions calmly.
Guardianship and Dependents
Depending on your situation, the appointment might include discussing guardianship. This involves deciding who you would want to take care of your children or dependents if you were to pass away. It’s a difficult decision, so it’s helpful to think about what factors matter most when making a choice.
For example, consider the relationship your children have with the potential guardian, their values, financial situation and desire to take on such a role. You might also talk about what to do with money left for children or dependents, for example, whether you’d prefer to wait until they’re 18 before they receive the inheritance.
Common Questions During the Appointment
Although every online will-writing appointment is unique, the following questions are often asked:
- Do you already have a will?
- What is your marital status?
- Do you have any children, stepchildren or dependants?
- Do you have any assets to leave in your estate?
- Who would you like to receive your assets?
- Who do you want to be your executor?
- Do you have any specific requests or funeral arrangements?
You shouldn’t worry if these questions sound complicated. They are simply designed to give the writer a better understanding of your situation and wishes.
Finalising and Signing Your Will
Following the appointment, you’ll typically receive a draft of your will that you can review. Take some time to go over the document. Check that all the information is correct, including names, gifts, percentages and any specific clauses. Ask the writer to explain anything you’re unsure about. It’s much easier to get something corrected during the drafting stage than to potentially cause confusion for loved ones down the line.
You’ll also need to sign your will. Typically, a will must be signed and witnessed, as you can read at https://help.safewill.com/en/articles/8956919-how-do-i-finalise-and-sign-my-will, according to specific requirements. You’ll be given instructions about who is allowed to witness the will and how to complete the process correctly.
Some doctors will also ask that you use their secure patient portal if they have one, so you’ll need to go there to upload documents, sign off on changes or read instructions. Keep your password safe and don’t send sensitive info through unsecured messages whenever you can.
Final Thoughts
An online will-writing appointment should help you to turn complex decisions into a clear legal document. You don’t need to know all of the law beforehand, but it helps to be prepared and to speak openly. By thinking through some of the above information and bringing along any questions, you’ll finish your appointment with a better sense of direction.