What's putting you off writing your Will?
Do the right thing
Setting out where you want your hard-earned assets to go after you die, a Will is one of the most important legal documents you will ever have. Preventing unnecessary pain, stress and worry for your loved ones, it’s never too early to prepare.
A Will allows you to protect your wishes & legacy by:
- Setting out your wishes for specific and sentimental items (including gifts to charities)
- Planning your funeral arrangements
- Appointing Executors you know and trust (the people who ensure the provisions in your Will are carried out correctly)
- Setting up a Trust to protect against third party claims
- Naming your beneficiaries and specifying what you want them to inherit
- Choosing when children and/or grandchildren inherit
- Appointing Guardians and Trustees for any children under 18
What happens without a Will?
Unfortunately, it’s not enough that a family member “knows what you want.” Without a Will, your wishes are not legally binding, and there is no guarantee that they will be followed.
Should you die without a Will:
- Your spouse might not inherit all of your estate (the total value of all that you own)
- If you are unmarried your partner would not legally be entitled to any of your assets
- Your children, children from a previous relationship, or vulnerable beneficiaries could miss out on what you want them to inherit
- You have no control over who will look after your children if they are under 18
- Organisations such as charities would not be considered
Do I need a Will?
There are many misconceptions about who should make a Will. No matter what your age, marital status, or the size of your estate, it is likely that you would benefit from the peace of mind that having a Will brings. We have put together a simple checklist to show you how writing a Will can help you protect those you love. If any of the following criteria applies to your circumstances, you need to put a Will in place.
I am married
Without a Will your spouse or civil partner may not automatically inherit all of your estate.
I have a partner
Without a Will the law treats you both as single and your partner would receive nothing.
I have children from a previous relationship
If you are now married, children from a previous relationship may inherit nothing.
I am a property owner
You should specify who you wish to inherit or live in your property after you have passed away and consider protecting your share against possible care costs.
I have new grandchildren
You may want to add your new grandchild to your Will so they inherit something directly from you.
I don’t want the state to decide who inherits from me
Making a Will is the only way to put you in control. It allows you to name your beneficiaries and specify what you want them to inherit.
When should I make a Will?
Making a Will is not something to put off until later. These life events typically have an impact on your Will, and will either prompt a review of your Will or require an update.
Suitability for a home visit is dependent on the size and complexity of the estate, and will be assessed on the initial phone call.
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