What you need before you start
Named people
Decide who you want to include - guardians for your children or pets, two executors to handle your estate, and your main beneficiaries. Many families in Bath choose close relatives or trusted friends who live nearby.
Outline of assets
Make a simple list of what you own, such as your home, savings, pension, and any investments. For Bath homeowners, include your property details but don't worry about account numbers or exact values.
Choose your executors
Decide who to nominate to carry out the wishes left in your will. This could be a friend, family member or a professional - the most important thing is that they feel comfortable and confident administering your estate.
Specific gifts
List any sentimental items or amounts of money you'd like to leave to friends and family. This could include jewellery, artwork, or a donation to a local Bath charity - anything that holds meaning to you.
Funeral wishes
Note down your preferences, such as burial or cremation, favourite music or readings, and the kind of atmosphere you'd like on the day. Some people choose colourful celebrations to reflect their personality and legacy.
What people in Bath often ask
Do I need witnesses in person?
Yes. In England and Wales, you must sign your will in front of two independent witnesses (over 18, not beneficiaries, and not married to a beneficiary). In Bath, most people ask neighbours or colleagues - just avoid anyone who stands to inherit.
Where should I store my will?
Keep the original somewhere safe and tell your executors where it is. Popular local options include a home safe, your accountant’s document vault, or secure storage with your solicitor.
What if I own property in Bath?
Your will should cover all UK assets (and can reference overseas assets). If you own a home in Bath, your will clarifies who inherits and in what shares. If you co-own property, note whether it’s joint tenants or tenants in common - that affects how your share passes on.
Can I leave gifts to Bath charities?
Of course! Many people support local charities in Bath through their wills, for example:
How gifts to charity can reduce Inheritance Tax
The standard Inheritance Tax (IHT) rate is 40% on the portion of an estate above the £325,000 nil-rate band (additional allowances may apply). Gifts to registered charities in Bath or the rest of the UK are IHT-exempt and reduce the taxable amount.
TIP: If you leave 10% or more of your taxable estate to charity, your IHT rate on the remainder drops from 40% to 36%.
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. We recommend consulting an independent financial or tax advisor for your specific circumstances.
Who benefits from making a will
Parents in Bath
Appoint legal guardians for children under 18.
Bath homeowners
Make clear who inherits your home and in what shares.
Unmarried partners
Protect your partner; intestacy rules don't recognise cohabitees.
Business owners
Clarify succession and provide continuity for your business.
Pet owners
Name who should look after your pets and set aside funds for their care.
How the process works
- Choose online or telephone - pick what suits your needs and pace
- Answer guided questions - it’s all in plain English so it’s easy to understand!
- Follow-up checks - experts review your will and flag if anything is unclear
- Sign and witness - two independent witnesses are required
- Store safely and update - keep it safe; update your will after major life events
FAQs about will writing in Bath
Do I need a solicitor to write a will?
Not always. Many Bath residents use online wills for straightforward needs. If you have complex tax planning, multiple properties, or overseas assets, consider a telephone service or independent legal advice.
What’s a mirror will?
A mirror will is two similar wills for a couple, typically leaving everything to each other and then to the same beneficiaries. Each person has their own will.
How much does a will cost in Bath?
The cost of writing a will in Bath depends on how you choose to do it and how complex your situation is:
| Online Will | Telephone Will |
|---|---|
| £100 for Individuals £160 for Couples | £240 for Individuals £380 for Couples |
You can save 20% on online and telephone wills with Bath Accountants. For example, an online will costs just £80 with our discount applied.
You’ll also have the option to add unlimited updates for a small annual fee if you’d like to keep your will current as life changes.
How often should I update my will?
You should update your will after any major life event, such as a house move, marriage, separation, children, grandchildren, or a new business.
Where can my witnesses be from?
Your witnesses don’t have to be from Bath - they can be from anywhere in England and Wales. Many people choose neighbours or colleagues. They must be over 18, must not be beneficiaries, and must not be married to a beneficiary.
Is my Bath home covered?
Yes. Your will covers your UK estate (and can reference overseas assets). If you’re unsure how your property is held (joint tenants vs tenants in common), check your title documents or ask your conveyancer.
Final thoughts
Writing a will doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Our partner can create a legally valid will in minutes.
Whether you’re leaving a legacy for loved ones or supporting a Bath charity, it all starts with getting your will sorted today.
About the author
Dan Garrett is the Co-Founder of Farewill, the UK’s leading will-writing company, and Chief Growth Officer at Dignity Group.
He founded Farewill in 2015 to make death simpler for everyone - offering online wills, probate, and funerals with empathy, clarity, and affordability. Under his leadership, Farewill has won multiple national awards and earned a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating from over 19,000 reviews.
Farewill customers have pledged more than £1 billion to charity through their wills. Dan has been named Outstanding Legal Innovator of the Year and Disruptor of the Year, and regularly features on national media including BBC Radio 4 and ITV’s This Morning.
