Why Make A Will?
For many people, the very idea of making a Will is something they just do not want to think about because it means thinking about death.
It is very common to want to put off making a Will, but sometimes things happen that make us think more about what would happen to our loved ones when we die. Being diagnosed with a serious illness, going through a separation from your partner or having a new baby in the family can all be reasons to finally take the plunge and make a will.
There are plenty of benefits to making a Will, for example:
- Make sure that your loved ones receive all of the money or property you want them to receive
- Reduce the amount of inheritance tax paid
- Appoint a guardian to care for your children if they were orphaned.
- Give particular items or keepsakes of sentimental or financial value to named people
- Donate money to charity
- Tell your loved ones whether you would like to be buried or cremated
- Make sure that your children inherit from you even if your surviving spouse re-marries
- Provide for a disabled person in a way that will not affect their benefits
- If you are living with someone but are not married, you can make sure they are able to stay in your house if you died and receive whatever inheritance you want them to have
What If You Do Not Have A Will?
Your loved ones can face serious problems if you die without making a Will. If you do not have a Will, your estate will be dealt with under the rules of intestacy. Depending on the value of your estate, your spouse may not receive everything and suffer financially.
If you are living with your partner but are not married, it is important to know that there is no such thing as a ‘common law spouse’ and no matter how long you have been together your partner will not inherit. That could mean that your partner is forced out of their home by your next of kin.
If you have children and do not appoint a guardian for them in your Will then if they were left orphaned there would be nobody to do things like sign medical consent forms for them.
How Greenough Legal Services Can Help You
We have a great deal of experience in writing Wills and the tax planning that is sometimes needed. We will be able to talk you through the different options that you might want to include in your Will.
We appreciate that sometimes making a Will is not easy. Whether you have a very simple family structure and simple wishes for your Will, or you have a very complicated family and financial set up, we have the knowledge and experience to advise you.
If you are concerned about the cost of making a Will, we have options for you to choose from: by post or by appointment. Whatever option you choose, we will prepare a Will that covers all of your wishes.
Book an appointment with Greenough Legal Services and one of our team will meet with you either at our offices or in the comfort of your own home.
