Skip to content

Making a will

Making a will if you think you've got dementia

If you haven’t made a will already and you’re worried you might have dementia, now’s a good time to make one to put your mind at rest

Deciding what will happen to your money and belongings in the future is something not many of us like to think about. But whether you’re living with dementia or not, it’s important, and saves you and your loved ones from worrying about what might happen.

If you already have a will, think about reviewing it and seeing if it’s still relevant. If you don’t make a will, the government decides what will happen to your money and possessions.

See the planner

Create an online care plan

Login
Find out more
Conversations

Create an online care plan 2

Find out more
See the planner

Create an online care plan 3

Find out more

Three steps to making a will

  • Speak to your GP to confirm you have mental capacity to make (or change) your will. Even if you feel you do, it will prevent problems in future if you have an official assessment from a medical professional.

  • Have a think about what you own and who you’d like those things to go to. Also think about who you’d like the executors of the will to be – they’re the people you’d like to handle the details of your estate after you’ve died.

  • Unless your affairs are very straightforward, it’s best to find a solicitor to help you make a will. Ask a trusted loved one for help finding a solicitor you feel comfortable dealing with. Find out how much they charge and check they’re licensed with a professional body, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority, before engaging them.

Useful links for making a Will:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-and-factsheets/dementia-together-magazine/can-someone-dementia-make-will

https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/financial-and-legal-support/mental-capacity-and-decision-making/

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-and-factsheets/dementia-together/need-involve-doctor-making-will-dementia

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/make-donation/leave-gift-your-will/write-or-update-your-will

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/care-and-support/legal-issues/#:~:text=Make%20a%20will,-It's%20a%20good&text=A%20person%20with%20dementia%20can,who%20specialises%20in%20writing%20wills.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/legal-issues/making-a-will/