Will With Children (single person)

This template Will With Children (single person) is for use by a person that is single and has one or more children.

Is this Will template suitable for me?

It is a variation of our standard couple with children will template. It also works if you are single, following divorce or another relationship break-up. At that point, you would normally want to make a new will in any event. A divorce decree absolute would invalidate your old will.

This will template is for you if this sounds like your situation and you do not intend to set up a trust through your will. For our full range of will templates click here.

Our full range of will templates are all suitable for people living in any part of the UK – England, Scotland Northern Ireland or Wales.

Using our Will With Children (single person) template

The document template has been specifically adapted for a single person with children, so you can make provision for leaving your estate to your children, friends family and others, such as charities, if you wish. It comes with detailed drafting notes. They explain each clause in this will, to make writing your own will quick, simple and very cost-effective. You don’t need to use a solicitor to ensure the will is valid, legal and binding. Just follow our guide and save money on writing your will.

David, our co-founder and a fully-qualified solicitor with many years of experience, has drafted this will with children single person template. This ensures your peace of mind when purchasing a document as important as a will. Our will template helps you to create your own will without the need for paying (or waiting for) expensive lawyers.

You can preview the guide to our standard will to see the sorts of things this will covers. Just click on this link.

What happens next?

You will need to think of somewhere safe to store the original of your will with children single person. If you have a fire-proof safe at home then this is ideal. If not, then a bank security box is suitable (if expensive). You can also send your Will away to the government’s storage facility for £20, which seems to be a great option: for more details click on this link.

When you want to amend or remake your will in the future, you will have continued access to this template free of charge. If we update it to keep abreast of changes in the law or practice, you will have free access to the updated version. So buy once and get free access and free updates for life.

FAQs on a Will for a single person with children

Below, we have answered the top questions on the Internet on this topic.

Can a single parent write a will?

Yes, of course. In the UK it is highly recommended for single parents to create a will in order to effectively outline their desires regarding the distribution of their assets and the care of their child. By creating a will, single parents can, for example:

• appoint a guardian for their child;
• specify the manner in which their assets should be distributed; and
• make provisions for their child’s financial security.

Should you write a will when you have a child?

By creating a will, you are taking essential steps legally to document your preferences regarding the care of your child and the distribution of your assets. So it is highly recommended to draft one for these reasons. This enables you to appoint a trusted guardian for your child, specify how your assets should be allocated, and provide for your child’s financial stability. Without a will, you would be leaving these critical decisions to the discretion of Social Services or the Courts. That could lead to potential uncertainty and stress for your child and loved ones. Writing a will is a responsible measure that safeguards your child’s future and ensures that your wishes are carried out.

Can a parent cut a child out of a will?

No, a parent cannot generally choose to disinherit a child in their will in the UK if that child is still a dependent. While there are legal provisions to protect a child’s inheritance rights if they are a dependent of yours, such as a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, explaining the reasons for the exclusion can help defend the will against potential challenges. If the child is an independent adult, then there is no law that states that you must still make provision in your will for them.

What happens if a child is left money in a will?

When a will designates a child as a beneficiary, they should receive that portion of the deceased person’s estate. This makes them a beneficiary, granting them the right to the allocated funds. Typically, the executors hold the money due to the child in a trust until they reach a specific age, often 18 or 21. During this time, a trustee is appointed to oversee and manage the funds on behalf of the child. Alternatively, the will may outline specific conditions or requirements for the child to access and utilise the inheritance.

Can I write my own will without solicitors?

Yes with a great template from Legalo, it is not only possible to write your own will in the UK without the assistance of a solicitor, but it is easy to do so too. You can buy this template from Legalo for just £24.95. It comes with a full written guide, to make completing it simple and fast.

What should you not write in a will?

In a will, you should avoid including unlawful requests, conditional gifts, information on personal matters, ambiguous language, revocation language, discrimination or attempts to disinherit a spouse or other dependent without proper legal consideration. It is also vital to make sure that you sign your will in the correct manner. The written guide that you receive with all Legalo Will templates makes this clear.

What are the biggest mistakes people make with their will?

Common errors in wills often arise from:

• failing to update them when circumstances change;
• not considering inheritance tax implications;
• using ambiguous language;
• omitting dependents; and
• signing it in an incorrect manner.

These mistakes can result in disputes, unintended distribution of assets, or other legal complexities. To avoid these pitfalls and ensure that your executors follow your wishes, it is essential regularly to review and update your will.

What is the best way to leave money to a child in the UK?

A recommended approach for leaving money to a child in the UK is to create a well-defined and legally valid will. This enables you to establish trusts that can effectively manage the inheritance until the child reaches a designated age. Additionally, you can appoint a reliable guardian until the child becomes an adult.

How much does a will cost in the UK?

The cost of a will from a solicitor in the UK can vary significantly. It mainly depends on whether you need advice on:

• setting up a trust; or
• reducing inheritance tax.

If you don’t need help with either of these issues, then the best solution is to use a simple DIY will kit, like those offered by Legalo. They are much more affordable, typically priced from £20 to £30. Contrast that with a solicitor’s simple will, which could be around £250 plus VAT.

Do single parents need a will?

It is crucial for single parents to create a will to:

• appoint a suitable guardian for their child;
• establish clear guidelines for asset distribution; and
• secure their child’s financial well-being.

Without a will, you would have left important decisions regarding these matters to the discretion of the courts, potentially causing uncertainty and anxiety for both the child and the wider family. By creating a will, single parents can ensure that their executors follow their wishes, providing a sense of reassurance and safeguarding their child’s best interests.

Can a parent leave everything to one child in the UK?

In the UK, it is indeed permissible for a parent to leave their entire estate to a single child if they wish to do so. This is provided that there are no other dependent children. If you are leaving the whole estate to one child when there are no other dependents, then it is still helpful to explain why you cut the other children out of the will to avoid disputes.

Can a child be left a house in a will?

It is indeed possible for you to leave a house to a child in a will in the UK. Within the will, a parent can:

• designate the specific property they wish to leave to the child; and
• outline any conditions related to this process.

However, please note that a child who is under the age of 18 when they inherit a house will not be able to have the house registered in their name. You need to be 18 or older to have your name on the title to a property in the UK. So where this applies, the executors normally hold the property in trust for the child until they turn 18.