We know as well as anyone that preparing a Will is one of those things that is easy to keep putting off simply because you don’t think you will need one ‘just yet’. However, we also see what happens when someone has died without a Will and all of the mess and heartache that goes along with it.
Here are a few things that people don’t realise until it is all too late…
1) Most people assume that because they are married or in a civil partnership, their spouse or civil partner will simply inherit everything when they die if they do not have a Will. This is not true. Under the Intestacy Rules, as a spouse or civil partner, you will only be entitled to a certain amount from your late spouse’s or civil partner’s estate.
2) If you have children from a previous relationship, they would have as much right to inherit from your estate as any children from your current relationship would. Even if your current spouse or civil partner knew that you would not want to provide for them, there is nothing that they can do about it.
3) At the time of your death, the last thing that your family would want to be worrying about is their financial situation, but unfortunately, this is often the case if there is no Will. With a Will, everything is spelt out in black and white and family members can be instantly assured that matters regarding your estate are in hand.
4) You have most probably spent your whole life saving your well-earned money. Why would you miss an opportunity to ensure that it passes to individuals of your choice? Why should the government decide who your money should pass to? Writing a Will gives you the financial certainty that you deserve.
5) Quite often when couples have young children, they satisfy themselves that their spouse or civil partner will simply take over child-care duties upon their death. But what would happen if you tragically died at the same time as your spouse or civil partner? The appointment of Guardians is one of the most important reasons as any for young families to make a Will. Make sure that once you have gone, you know who will be looking after your children and that they have the financial resources to do so.
6) When your estate is dealt with under the Intestacy Rules, there is no scope for specific personal items to be given to specific people. Quite often people wish to leave items of jewellery, paintings or family keepsakes to specific people. This is something that can be done in your Will and will ensure that those gifts are made at the time of your death.
7) If you have a pet that requires a certain level of upkeep, such as a horse or a beloved dog, you can stipulate in a Will who you wish to look after them after your death. You can also give their carer a certain amount of money in order to ensure your pet’s upkeep.
8) Quite a few people also encounter some form of illness during their life, whether it be directly or through a family member. Often, people like to remember an associated charity in their Will and make a small donation upon their death. This is something that you can plan carefully in a Will and any gift made to a charity is completely tax-free.
9) No matter how long or short the request, most people have some wish as to what they would like to happen to their body upon their death. A Will is a perfect place for such a wish to be recorded. It can be as simple as ‘burial’ or ‘cremation’ but can stretch to more detailed funeral plans.
10) When you make a Will, we also discuss your financial situation with you from an Inheritance Tax perspective. We are in a position to explain your tax liabilities to you and can refer you to an appropriate financial adviser if we feel that there are ways in which you can save some of your well-earned pennies going to the tax-man after your death!
For further information or if you would like to discuss the process of making a Will with one of our team members, please give us a call on 01206 700113 or email [email protected].