If you need to get your Estate sorted and are wondering about the questions a Will Writer should ask, this article is for you. A well-prepared Will ensures your wishes are carried out, your loved ones are protected and potential disputes are avoided. In this post we break down the essential conversations every Estate Planner should have. From appointing executors to safeguarding assets, discover the key questions that make all the difference – including Simon Hall’s expert top three. Take control of your future and plan with confidence!
Key questions a Will Writer should ask their clients
Do you already have a Will? – If so, when was it last updated? Many people assume their Will is still valid, but changes in family circumstances or the law can make an old Will ineffective. Especially if you have just got married.
Who do you want to inherit your assets? – This helps ensure that a client’s wishes are clear and that their Estate is distributed the way they intend.
Do you have children or dependents? – If so, have you considered appointing guardians in case something happens to you? This is crucial for protecting young children.
What assets do you own? – This includes property, savings, investments and valuable possessions. It helps determine how best to structure the Will.
Have you thought about Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)? – This is a big one! Many people don’t realise that if they lose mental capacity (due to illness or an accident), their loved ones won’t automatically have the right to make decisions for them. An LPA ensures their affairs can be managed smoothly.
Are there any specific gifts or donations you’d like to include? – This might be leaving money to a charity, passing down sentimental heirlooms or ensuring a particular person receives something meaningful.
Who do you trust to be your executors? – These are the people responsible for carrying out the instructions in the Will. Who among your family or friends would be best suited for this role?
Do you have concerns about inheritance tax? – One needs to examine whether your Estate might be subject to tax and what steps can be taken to minimise the impact.
What would you like to happen with your digital assets? – Things like online accounts, social media and digital banking are increasingly important and planning for them is often overlooked.
Have you considered funeral wishes? – While it’s not legally binding in a Will, including funeral preferences can relieve stress for family members at a difficult time.
Simon’s Top 3 Questions a Will Writer should ask each client
When it comes to estate planning, Simon Hall takes a unique approach – one that goes beyond just filling out paperwork. His goal is to ensure that every Will truly reflects the client’s wishes, values and priorities. That’s why he starts every consultation with three crucial questions:
1. What do you want to achieve by making a Will today?
This question encourages clients to think about their true intentions behind writing a Will. Many assume it’s just about distributing assets, but in reality, a Will does much more. It ensures:
• Your loved ones are provided for – from partners to children and even pets, a Will guarantees they are taken care of;
• Your Estate is passed on according to your wishes – without a Will, the law decides who inherits, which might not align with what you want;
• Guardianship for children is in place – if you have young children, naming guardians is one of the most important parts of a Will; and
• Your Estate is structured to reduce legal complications – a properly written Will can help minimise inheritance tax and avoid costly disputes.
By asking what they wish to achieve, Simon ensures that clients truly understand the impact of their decisions and consider all the necessary aspects of their Estate.
2. How important is it for you to sort this out?
Many people put off writing a Will, thinking they have plenty of time. However, life is unpredictable, and not having a Will can create significant problems for those left behind. This question helps clients reflect on why they are making a Will now and what might happen if they don’t.
• If something happened tomorrow, would your family know what to do?
• Would your loved ones be financially secure?
• Could your assets end up going to the wrong people?
Simon encourages clients to consider the urgency of their situation. Do they have children? A business? Health concerns? The sooner these issues are addressed, the greater the peace of mind.
3. On a day-to-day basis, what do you value? What do you cherish? What’s important to you in your life?
This is the most unexpected question, but often the most revealing. People typically think of Wills in terms of assets: houses, bank accounts, and possessions. But Estate Planning is ultimately about people and values.
By asking this, Simon shifts the focus from what you own to who and what truly matters.
• Family and loved ones – ensuring they are looked after and supported;
• Your home – making sure it stays in the right hands;
• A business or legacy – securing a smooth transition if you’re a business owner; and
• Personal wishes – funeral plans, charitable donations and sentimental items.
This question often leads to deeper discussions about how a Will can reflect a person’s values, not just their finances. It helps Simon guide clients in making decisions that truly align with their lives and priorities.
Why these questions matter
Simon Hall’s three essential questions help shift the mindset from just writing a legal document to creating a plan that protects what’s most important. They encourage clients to think beyond the basics, ensuring that their Wills are meaningful, effective and tailored to their personal situation.
If you’re considering making a Will, ask yourself these questions today. The answers may shape the most important document you ever create.
Would you like to book a consultation to discuss your estate planning? Get in touch with the expert team at Simon Hall Will Writing today.
See Simon Hall video interview – the truth about Wills & Lasting Power of Attorney where Simon talks more about the questions a Will Writer should ask.
Al Gibson
Al Gibson is a business journalist based in Exeter. He started Countdown Creative in 2020 offering copywriting services to local companies, charities and organisations.
