Ordering your affairs
Recent figures point to over 70% of the population not having a current Will that accurately reflects their wishes. Don’t be one of them – if you are, you
risk dying intestate (i.e. without saying who should inherit your property) and leaving a very uncertain future for your family, friends and business partners.
We strongly advise that you make a Will, review it regularly and consider whether you should not also issue an enduring Power of Attorney. It costs
little to do either of these things. Most wills that we prepare will be simple and cost only a very modest fee.
We also offer a probate service for our clients, sometimes engaging with associated lawyers in other countries – such as France, Spain, Ireland, Finland and many other countries.
Inevitably there may be some cross-over between our work in Wills and Probate and our Trusts and Estate Planning department.
Why do I need a Will?
If you do not make a Will:
* It could mean greater costs and delay
* You will have no control over what happens to your property
* Disagreements may arise between family members as to how your property is split between your family
* You may not have made sufficient financial provision for your spouse
* Your family home may have to be sold to distribute the assets unless you have made provision to the contrary
* There might be more tax to pay
* You could leave your business partners unprotected resulting in a forced business sale
* In the case of cohabiting partners who are unmarried, there may be no right to inherit at all
In contrast, in making a Will you retain some measure of control over what happens to your property after you die and can ensure:
* Those you care for are provided for
* A person of your choice is appointed to deal with your estate (known as the executor)
* A person of your choice is appointed to look after your young children (a guardian)
* You minimise the tax payable on your death
* You remember family and friends by leaving them particular gifts (bequests)
* You avoid disputes over your property from first and second families
* You make proper provision for your co-habitee if you are unmarried
* You provide a smooth handover of your business
What to include in your will
* Don’t forget your estate may be more valuable than you think and includes:
* Your home
* Your business
* Your savings
* Any insurance or pension policies
* Your personal possessions
* Second homes
I want to make a Will – what should I do next?
Before making a Will you should think about:
* The nature and value of your property
* Who you would like to benefit from your Will (including your partner, children, any previous family and your extended family and friends
* Your business interests
* Tax implications – especially Inheritance Tax
* Who you would like to administer your estate – your executor
* Who you would wish to look after your children if you cannot
* If you have any particular wish for your funeral arrangements
* If you want to donate any of your organs or allow your body to be used for medical purposes
Free Wills Storage
We are happy to store your Will and House Deeds free of charge in our fire retardant storage.