Should I Include My Friends In My Will?

You’ve been considering including some close friends in your Will, is it normal? Is it allowed? There are many aspects to consider when having your Will written, including distribution of assets, leaving gifts, funeral wishes, appointing Guardians, choosing Executors and so on. We have been led to believe that it is our families who should be named in these areas of a Will. This is often seen as the standard way of doing things.

This doesn't have to always be the case. The Executors you appoint or beneficiaries you include do not have to be family members at all but instead, a trusted friend. You may even choose a mix of both friends and family.

You may be surprised to hear that you wouldn't be the only one to do so! Our Will writers regularly deal with instructions from clients who are including close friends. Among dear friends, each other’s passing is not a common topic of conversation, but there are people who wish to leave everything to theirs. Circumstances and wishes can vary, but at the end of the day, it really is your choice.

While family is often considered a priority, there could be another person who knows you better. For example, that best friend you've grown up with, laughed and cried with, and has seen you are your very worst. With International Friendship Day close, we feel it is important to speak out about just how important friends can be and what we can do to help you look after yours.

We often say that a Will is not for you, but for your loved ones. A common misconception with this, is that a loved one can only be a family member or partner. This doesn't have to be the case; your friends make up the majority of your loved ones outside blood relatives. Friends are people who shape and craft us into who we are today.

You likely have the responsibility of looking after a child, siblings or other family should you pass away. Even if you pass on the bulk of your Estate to these people, there will be something left. You can do something amazing for your friends as well.

That comic book collection you promised them one sunny afternoon, does anyone else know you made that promise? Your executor perhaps? They likely do not, and you may have never informed them. While something such as a collection of comics, figurines, DVDs etc. may feel small in the grand scheme of your life, it could mean the world to your friend to have that piece of you once you pass away. You can even pass on your beloved fish to a friend should you wish (yes, this has happened).

You may have the responsibility of looking after a child, siblings or other family should you pass away. Even if you pass on the bulk of your Estate to these people, there may be something left. Which means you can do something amazing for your friends as well.

That comic book collection you promised them one sunny afternoon, does anyone else know you made that promise? Your executor perhaps? They likely do not, and you may have never informed them. While something such as a collection of books, figurines, DVDs etc. may feel small in the grand scheme of your life, it could mean the world to your friend to have that piece of you once you pass away. You can even pass on your beloved fish to a friend should you wish (yes, this has happened!).

It’s not just the collections, or inheritance, in which you may include your friends, but the care of your children also.

Guardianship is an essential part of the Will for any parent, because should the worst happen, you need peace of mind that your children will be looked after. Having your friend written in as a Guardian could an excellent way to protect your kids.

You may have made your friends godparents, or an equivalent, to your children. However, this does not legally protect your children should both their parents pass away. There are sadly no automatic legal rights when it comes to godparents. Should you wish for specific people to look after your children, they must be written into your Will as Guardians.

As always, our intent is to advise you, you always have the final choice. Some people prefer to not leave anything to friends, choosing to solely support their families, which is also completely acceptable and normal. At the end of the day, while your Will is for your loved ones. The wishes inside are purely your own.

Why not take a moment today to give a friend a call, tell them how much they mean to you. And then later, if you decide you want to create or change your Will, including them in, please contact us.