Writing a will

Hi,
I am living in the UK and in the process of writing my first will (using a solitor service through my trade union). I am planning on listing my stateside parents as the benefactors for my estate (I don't yet own property - so my overall estate is less than 25k). I have to choose an executor and am planning on using the solitor for this, as I figured it would be easiest given that my parents don't live here.

Before doing any of this, I was curious if anyone else has experience about writing a will in the UK and listing benefactors in the USA.

Many thanks,
Joy

What you are doing is sensible.

I would not however normally suggest appointing the solicitors as executors because you then would be forcing the beneficiaries to a specific choice (and fee schedule) which may not be suitable in 20 or 30 years time.

I would instead leave a power in the will for the executors to appoint any professional advisers they need.  The executors may indeed in your case be identical to the beneficiaries under the Will.  This is very common. 

Thanks! I hadn't thought about that!!

Best wishes,
Joy