Writing a will might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s one of the most practical and loving things you can do for the people you care about. It helps protect those closest to you, gives you peace of mind, and ensures the things God has entrusted to you are passed on in the way you intend.
This guide will walk you through how to make a will, what to include, how much it costs, and how you can choose to leave a gift in your will to support the work of Christians Against Poverty.
Why make a will?
A will is a legal document that sets out what should happen to your money, possessions and any property after you die. It’s also where you can name guardians for your children, choose someone to handle your estate, and outline any specific wishes you have.
Without a will, the law decides who inherits what. That might not reflect what you want and can leave your family with uncertainty and extra stress.
A will gives you control, clarity, and a chance to leave a lasting impact.
Can I write a will on my own?
Yes, you can write your own will, but there are risks if it’s not done properly. For a will to be legally valid in the UK, it must:
Be in writing
Be signed by you in front of two witnesses
Be signed by the witnesses, in your presence
If your situation is straightforward and you feel confident, you can use a template or online will-writing service. But if you have children, own property, or want to make sure everything is watertight, it’s best to get legal advice.
Small mistakes can cause big problems later on, so if you’re not sure, it’s worth getting professional help
Write your will for free with CAPWhat to include in a will
Here are the key things you’ll need to think about:
Who you want to leave your estate to (your beneficiaries)
What you want to leave them – money, property, savings, personal items or digital assets
Who will manage everything when you’re gone (your executors)
Guardians for your children if they’re under 18
Funeral wishes (optional)
Charitable gifts – if you’d like to leave something to a charity
Splitting up your estate
Your estate is everything you own, minus any debts. You can leave specific items or amounts of money, or divide your estate into percentages. For example, ’50% to my partner, 25% to each of my two children.’
If you want to include a gift to a charity like Christians Against Poverty, it can be any size. Every legacy makes a difference
Get your free Gifts in Wills guideHow much does it cost to make a will?
The cost of writing a will depends on how you go about it:
DIY or online wills: from around £30 to £100
Will-writing services: around £100 to £150 for a simple will
Solicitor-drafted wills: usually £150 to £300, more if your situation is complex
CAP partners with trusted will-writing providers to make the process easier. In some cases, you may be able to write your will for free.
Where to keep a will
Once you’ve written your will, it’s important to store it safely. Let your executors know where to find it, but don’t attach anything to the document itself.
You can:
- Keep it at home, in a secure place
- Store it with your solicitor
- Register it with the National Will Register (optional)
Avoid hiding it away where no one will find it when it’s needed.
How to change a will
You should review your will regularly, especially after major life changes like getting married, having children, or moving house.
Yes, you can use a codicil (a legal amendment) to make small changes. But if you need to make big updates, it’s usually better to write a new will.
No. Even if someone holds power of attorney for you, they cannot change your will.
No. Executors are responsible for carrying out your wishes, not altering them.
Costs vary depending on the changes, but updating your will through a solicitor usually costs around £100 to £150.
In some cases, yes – with the agreement of all beneficiaries and through a deed of variation. Legal advice is recommended.
Start writing your will today
Writing your will doesn’t have to be daunting. Take it one step at a time:
Make a list of your assets and wishes
Choose your beneficiaries and executors
Decide how you want to write your will – DIY, online, or with a solicitor
Consider leaving a gift to CAP
Store your will safely and keep it up to date
Need help getting started? Get in touch with us [email protected] or download our free guide below.
Leave a gift in your will to CAP
Once your loved ones are provided for, you might consider leaving a gift in your will to CAP. It’s a simple way to help future generations break free from poverty and find lasting hope. Even a small gift can lead to big change, offering debt help, practical support and gospel hope to families across the UK.
