At what age should I make a will? Hegarty's Ask the Experts column

At what age should I make a will?

You must be 18 years old or over to make a legally valid will, however exceptions to the minimum age are made if you are on active military service.

Many people leave making a will until they are much older. The average age people make a will in the UK is 58, but making a will is not something that should be put off. Although we all wish for a long and happy life, we can’t know what is around the corner, and it is always better to be prepared. Making a will is an important step in ensuring your loved ones are provided for and your wishes are carried out.

Making a will is often dictated, not by age, but by events in our lives. Certain life events can drive us to think more about planning for the future. So rather than suggesting a particular age when you should think about making a will, it is better to look at life stages and events when having an up to date will in place becomes more important:

• Leaving home

• Buying a property
• Getting married re-married or entering a civil partnership
• Getting divorced or separating
• Having children
• Having grandchildren
• Having a serious illness

If you are thinking about making or updating your will, please contact Andrea Beesley-Hewitt at Hegarty Solicitors on 01780 750 952 or e-mail andrea.beesley-hewitt@hegarty.co.uk