Writing a will Useful contacts for making a will
If you're looking to use an online will writing service, Which? Wills offers an easy, affordable and time efficient alternative to using a solicitor, with full legal telephone support from our experienced wills solicitors.
Useful contacts when making a will
Law Society of England & Wales; Law Society probate section - 020 7242 1222
Law Society of Northern Ireland - 028 9023 1614
Law Society of Scotland - 0131 226 7411
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners - 020 7340 0500
Society of Will Writers - 01522 687 888
Institute of Professional Willwriters - 08456 442 042
Age UK (formally Age Concern) - 020 8765 7527
Order the Which? book Wills & Probate - for detailed information
Making a will - legal terms explained
Administrator: The person who deals with the estate of anyone who didn’t leave a will
Bequest: A gift of a particular object or cash
Beneficiary: A person or organisation who receives a gift from your estate
Codicil: A legal document which amends or adds to a will
Estate: The total of your assets – property, investments, cash, possessions (but less any debts) when you die
Executors: The people (up to four) you name in a will to get probate and handle your estate
Intestate: Dying without a valid will. The laws of intestacy decide who deals with your estate and how it is distributed
Legacy: A gift you leave in your will, usually money
Probate: The legal document obtained by the executor/s after death that gives them the authority to handle the estate
Residue: The remainder of your estate once gifts have been distributed and any debts, tax and fees paid
Trust: A legal arrangement to hold money or property for someone else, usually a child.
- Need individual help on making a will? - call the Which? Money Helpline
- Baffled by the rules of probate - find out how to apply for probate
- Read our full guide to capital gains tax
