A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your First Will in Portsmouth
Writing your first will can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re starting a family, buying a home, or simply getting your affairs in order, a will ensures that your wishes are carried out exactly as you intend.
At Coastal Legacy, we help people across Portsmouth, Gosport, and Fareham create clear, legally sound wills that protect their loved ones and reflect their wishes. Here’s how the process works, step by step.
Step 1: Gather the Right Information
Before you sit down to write your will, start by thinking about what you own and who you’d like to benefit. This might include:
- Your home or property
- Savings, investments, or pensions
- Vehicles or valuable items
- Sentimental possessions
- Life insurance policies
It’s also helpful to list any debts, such as a mortgage or loans, so that your estate can be managed clearly.
Step 2: Decide Who Inherits Your Estate
Next, think about the people or organisations you want to inherit your assets. These are known as your beneficiaries. You might want to provide for:
- Your spouse or partner
- Your children or grandchildren
- Close friends
- Charities or community organisations in Portsmouth
Having this list ready helps make your will precise and prevents future confusion or disputes.
Step 3: Choose Your Executors
An executor is the person responsible for carrying out your wishes after your death. It’s an important role that involves handling paperwork, closing accounts, and distributing your estate.
Most people choose a trusted family member, friend, or professional to act as executor. At Coastal Legacy, we can help you understand what the role involves and guide you in making the right choice.
Step 4: Consider Guardians for Children
If you have young children, you’ll also need to name a guardian. This ensures that someone you trust will look after them if anything happens to you before they reach adulthood.
Without a named guardian, the courts may decide who takes responsibility, which could cause unnecessary stress for your family. Including this in your will gives everyone peace of mind.
Step 5: Get Professional Guidance
While it’s possible to write a will yourself, many people choose a professional service to ensure everything is legally correct and properly signed. Small mistakes can make a will invalid, leaving your loved ones without clear direction.
Our team at Coastal Legacy provides friendly, affordable support — explaining each part of the process in plain English and making sure your will reflects your true wishes.
Step 6: Keep Your Will Safe and Updated
Once your will is complete, it should be signed, witnessed, and stored securely. You can keep it at home, with your solicitor, or with a will storage service.
It’s also wise to review it every few years or whenever your circumstances change — such as marriage, moving house, or welcoming a new child or grandchild.
Why Choose Coastal Legacy?
We’re proud to offer a trusted, local service to people in Portsmouth and across Hampshire. Our goal is to make will writing straightforward and reassuring, not intimidating.
Every will we prepare is tailored to you, giving you complete confidence that your wishes will be respected.
Ready to Write Your Will?
Take control of your future today.
Contact Coastal Legacy to start your will with one of our professional advisors. We’ll make the process simple, personal, and stress-free.
👉 Get in touch today to book your free consultation.