WILLS

A Will provides you with peace of mind that your wishes will be respected when you die. But it’s all too easy to put it off, and that can cause problems for your loved ones after you’re gone.

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While the prime purpose of a Will is to ensure your estate reaches the right people, having a Will also enables you to protect your estate in certain ways and provides the opportunity to review your current tax position.

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It is entirely up to you if and when you want to create a Will, but it is really important to understand the consequences of not having one. Without having a Will in place by the time you die, there are certain rules, known as the ‘Rules of Intestacy’, which apply to your estate that cannot be controlled by those around you. These rules can result in people not benefiting from your Will that you would otherwise have wanted to.

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We make the process straightforward, visiting you in the comfort of your own home, day or evening, seven days a week and explaining everything in simple, easy to understand language.

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Some of the most commons reasons why clients make a will or update an existing Will:

• Children & grandchildren - If you are now married, children from a previous relationship may inherit nothing. You may also want to add your new grandchild to your Will so they inherit something directly from you.

• Marriage or Civil Partnership - Without a Will your spouse or civil partner may not automatically inherit all of your estate. 

• Divorce.

• Buying your first house or moving house - You should specify who you wish to inherit or live in your property after you have passed away and protect your estate against possible costly claims.

• Death of a family member.

• Setting up a business.

• Someone in your Will dies.

• You inherit money.

• The size of your estate increases.

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A Will allows you to protect your wishes by:

• Laying out your wishes for specific and sentimental items or providing gifts to charities.

• Planning for your funeral arrangements.

• Appointing Executors you know and trust (these are the people who ensure the provisions in your Will are carried out correctly).

• Setting up a Trust, or Trusts, 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.

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What happens if you haven't made a Will?

Unfortunately, it’s not enough that your loved ones may “know 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.