Writing a Will

Intestacy

Dying intestate (without a valid will) causes problems for those that are left behind. Most people wrongly assume that their house and savings will go to their spouse but that is not necessarily true. The courts use a complex and rigid procedure to determine inheritance in such cases. Don’t you want to be sure whom you are leaving your money and property to?

Unmarried Couples

Without a Will your partner may not receive anything! Your entire estate will probably be divided between your children; if you don’t have any children then your assets will be shared between your relatives. Surely you want your partner to inherit?

Parents of young children

Making a Will can ensure that the Courts are aware of who you wish to care for your children in the event of your death. You can also decide at what age you wish your children to receive their inheritance and who are to be the trustees for that inheritance until they reach that age. Do you really want to leave those decisions to someone else?

Divorced or Separated

Make it clear that you don’t want your ‘ex’ to benefit from your will.

Planning For Our Visit

Between making an appointment and our consultant’s visit you may like to consider the following issues, which will be discussed at the meeting.

Have you any items of real or sentimental value such as jewellery, collections or family heirlooms that you wish to leave to named individuals?
Do you wish to leave any cash legacies to charities?
What should happen to your pets when you die?
If you have business interests consider what should happen to them.
Do you have any life assurance policies?
Does your pension include a Death in Service benefit?
Who do you want to look after any children under 18 that you have?
Who would you like to look after their financial interests?
At what age should any minors inherit? (It can’t be less than 18 but could be older)
Do you have stepchildren?
What are your funeral wishes?
Who do you want to be in charge of executing your will?
Have you considered what could happen if you lost mental capacity?

More details are available in the Power of Attorney section. If you have any questions please contact us.