5 Things to Put in Your Will Besides Money and Property

Posted on: 14 August 2018

Everyone should make a will because, without one, you could leave a confusing mess behind after you're gone. People don't always consider it until they start to get older but, you shouldn't be complacent about something so important.

The first thing you need to think about when you're planning your will is where your money and property will go. Sorting this out makes sure your wishes are carried out, so you can look after whoever you want to and stop any unfortunate fighting when you pass away.

Many people choose to leave it at that, and it's certainly acceptable and useful to do so. But there are many more things you could include in your will if you wanted, so have a look at some of them and see if they could be useful to you.

Your funeral wishes

You can use your will to make sure you have the funeral you want, noting down your specific wishes in a legally-binding document. At the very least, it's a good idea to include whether you'd like to be buried or cremated and if you want a religious ceremony.

Care of your children and pets

People with children are usually aware that they can include names of the people they would like to care for their children if they're still minors when you die. It's important to do this so you can ensure a good, safe future for your children.

What isn't so well known is that you can also state who you would like to care for any pets you have, which is a particularly good idea with long-lived animals.

Non-valuable items

Not everything in your will has to have high monetary worth. If you own items that have a high sentimental value to certain people, you can make sure they go to them when you pass away.

It's a good idea to include items like this in your will, as they risk being sold or even thrown away if someone decides they're not valuable enough to worry about.

Certain conditions

Instead of simply giving money away, some people choose to put conditions on it. For example, you might want a child to receive the money only when they turn 18 or a couple to get married before they get their inheritance.

Within reason, you can put any conditions you like on money being paid, but talk to a lawyer for advice on whether your ideas are suitable.

Donation of your body

Organ donation is a wonderful way to help someone live after you're gone, and putting your wishes in your will helps ensure your organs can be donated. You'll also need to go on the official register, however.

If you choose, you can also donate your body to scientific research, and include this in your will. It's best to contact a research organisation before you do, in case they have a register or any certain stipulations on suitability.

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