Many people own gold — whether that’s in the form of jewellery, coins, or investment bars — but few stop to think about what happens to it when they’re gone. Unlike money in a bank or property that’s easy to trace, physical gold and valuables can be easily overlooked, misplaced, or even disputed after death. That’s why it’s essential to include these items clearly in your will.

At Westfield Wills, we often see how a few simple steps can make a big difference in protecting your legacy — and ensuring your gold ends up exactly where you want it to.

Why You Should Include Gold in Your Will

Gold holds a unique place in estate planning. It’s portable, valuable, and often deeply personal. But without a clear record in your will, it may not be distributed as you intend.

When someone dies without mentioning gold or valuables specifically, these items become part of their general estate. This means they’ll be divided according to the terms of the will (if one exists) or, if not, under the rules of intestacy. The result? Potential confusion, family disagreements, or assets being sold rather than passed down.

By explicitly listing your gold and valuables in your will, you:

• Ensure your chosen beneficiaries receive what you intend

• Reduce the chance of disputes or missing assets

• Give your executors clear guidance on how to handle your possessions

• Protect both the sentimental and financial value of your items

How to List Gold and Valuables in Your Will

You don’t need to list every individual item in your will — in fact, it’s better to keep some flexibility. A good approach is to:

1. Describe categories clearly – e.g. “all my gold coins and bullion held in my safety deposit box” or “my gold jewellery collection”.

2. Specify who should receive them – a named beneficiary or shared equally among a group.

3. Keep a separate inventory – a signed and dated list of items with approximate values and locations. This can be stored securely with your will.

4. Review regularly – update your inventory whenever you buy, sell, or gift an item.

Professional will-writers can also include a memorandum of wishes — an informal list attached to your will that details who should receive particular personal items such as jewellery, heirlooms, or collectibles.

Valuing and Storing Gold Safely

For executors to distribute gold correctly, it needs to be valued accurately. Keeping recent valuation certificates or receipts can help ensure a fair and efficient process later on.

You should also make sure your gold is stored securely — whether at home in a safe, in a safety deposit box, or with a trusted custodian. Let your executors know where it’s stored and how they can access it when the time comes.

If your gold is held overseas, this can add complexity to your estate. In those cases, it’s wise to seek specialist legal advice on international inheritance rules.

What About Jewellery and Family Heirlooms?

Jewellery often carries more sentimental than financial value, but it can still cause tension among family members if not dealt with clearly. If certain pieces hold special meaning — perhaps a wedding ring, a gold watch, or a family necklace — you can name who should receive them specifically in your will or memorandum of wishes.

Doing so removes uncertainty and helps preserve your family’s harmony as well as your heritage.

Making It Simple with Westfield Wills

Including gold and valuables in your will doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does need to be done properly. At Westfield Wills, we guide you through every step, ensuring your assets, heirlooms and investments are protected and your wishes carried out precisely as you intend.

Your gold is more than just an asset — it’s part of your story. Make sure it ends up in the right hands.

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