The only way to ensure that your money or belongings go to whom you want is to make a will. If you die without a will the law decides how your money will be divided and you must never assume that this will be how you want. A will might save your estate tax as well. If you haven’t already made a will, it’s probably a lot less complicated – and less expensive – than you might think.

How to make a will in six easy steps

• First, work out how much you will have to leave (your estate) by listing all your possessions – property, investment, savings and life policies – and deducting mortgage or other loans and commitments.
• Decide what shares and to whom you want to give your estate - family, friends and favourite charities or good causes.
• Appoint an executor or executors; perhaps a friend, relative, your solicitor or bank.
• Contact your professional adviser, often your solicitor, to arrange to discuss your wishes and have your will drafted. If you haven’t appointed a solicitor you will find a list of solicitors in your area from The Law Society of Scotland or for England and Wales, The Law Society
• Keep your will in a safe place, like a bank or your solicitor’s office. Make sure your executors know where to find your will. Retain a copy of it for your own reference.
• Review your will regularly, whenever your circumstances change.

Types of legacy
A residuary legacy comprises all or a share of the residue after any other gifts have been made and debts paid.

A pecuniary legacy is a gift of a specific cash sum.

Bequests of property are gifts of furnishings and other possessions, including land and buildings.

Changing an existing will
Reviewing your will at regular intervals is important, to ensure that it still reflects your wishes. For example, you may need to change it if you have married, have children or grandchildren, your priorities alter or you want to leave a gift to a charity like the National Trust for Scotland. Your solicitor will advise you on the simplest way to do this.

We can help
If you would like more general legacy information or help in leaving a gift to the National Trust for Scotland, please contact our Legacy Manager on +44 (0) 131 243 9490 fax +44 (0)131 243 9301 or by using our online form and request a free Will Booklet which includes suggested wordings for your will.

Crathes Castle