Common Mistakes People Make When Writing a Will
Quick answer · Applies to Ireland
The most common mistakes are not making a will at all, failing to update it after marriage, divorce or children, choosing an unsuitable executor, forgetting to appoint guardians for children under 18, and not telling anyone where the will is stored.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is simply not creating a will at all. Without one, the law decides how your estate is distributed. Making a will can be straightforward and gives you more control about how your estate should be managed. It also allows you to nominate executors, guardians and leave gifts to individuals or charities, as you wish.
Another common mistake is failing to update a will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children. As your life circumstances change, it is important to review your will to make sure it still aligns with what you want.
Choosing the wrong executor can also cause problems. Executors are responsible for managing the estate, so they should be trustworthy, organised, and capable. It is also advisable to nominate more than one executor in the document, to assist or act as a backup candidate for this important activity.
Parents sometimes forget to appoint guardians for their children. Without clear instructions, this decision may be left to the courts.
Finally, many people don't tell anyone where their will is stored. This can cause delays when the estate needs to be administered.