Why should I make a Will?

Studies show around two-thirds of adults in the UK do not have a Will, leaving them open to the uncertainty of intestacy rules.

Another point to consider: unmarried couples may not be able to split assets or allocate particular possessions to a person of their choice without a Will.

If you die without a Will, this is called Intestate.

Will writing can be anything but straightforward. The legalities of a Will are filled with jargon, and let’s be honest, we don’t like facing the fact that, one day, we’re not going to be here and in need of a Will.

So now we’ve addressed why we avoid talking Wills; let me cut through the jargon for you and help you understand the reasons it’s good to have a Will in place.

What are the rules of Intestacy?

When someone dies intestate with no spouse or civil partner but has surviving children, the whole estate is passed onto the children and shared equally. Suppose there are no children to inherit the estate. In that case, Intestacy will look at the following relatives to identify who will inherit when there is no Will. In this order:

• Grandchildren or other direct descendants, including legally adopted sons and daughters, but not step-children
• Parents
• Brothers or sisters
• Half-brothers or half-sisters
• Grandparents
• Aunts or uncles
• Half-aunts or half-uncles

This information is correct if the deceased lived in England or Wales. More information and Intestacy rules for residents in Scotland and Northern Ireland can be found on the Government Website Intestacy – who inherits if someone dies without a Will?

Choosing who gets your assets – and who doesn’t

In your Will, you will record who you want to inherit your share of any property.

What happens to your property?

To most of us, our property is our biggest asset. If you want a sole owner to inherit the estate, your Will makes sure they receive 100% of the property. Joint owners, meaning several individuals own a percentage, can also be specified.

In cases where there is no Will in place, this is where the rules of Intestacy come into place, leaving it out of anyone’s hands what happens to your estate.

Do you have children?

Many parents feel that writing a Will is unnecessary if they currently have nothing to leave. Writing a Will is not only about leaving and gifting assets but about nominating a guardian for your children if the worst happens. The allocated guardian will get custody if both parents pass. If you don’t have a Will in place, you leave it up to the court to decide who will raise your children.

Throughout our lives, we accumulate items with sentimental value. You can allocate anything you want to whoever you wish to, in your Will. Many people may not be aware, but you can also state who receives nothing. You can include as much detail as you want. Have an ex-spouse who you don’t want to receive anything? Your Will can cover it all.

Wills are not as complicated as you think and provide peace of mind

Preparing your Will sounds daunting, and there are many loopholes if the Will isn’t written correctly. But once written, a Will gives you peace of mind that you have looked after your loved ones in the future and sets out your wishes. Hiring a Will writer makes it easier than ever to express your wishes perfectly.

Do you want to leave money for a charity?

Throughout our lives, many of us support charities. We can continue to support them even when we’re not here. Leaving to charity can also reduce inheritance tax by 10% from initially up to 40%.

Provide funeral instructions

Now, thinking about your funeral isn’t something many of us want to do. But if you’re going to leave instructions for your funeral, then your Will is the place to do so. Being organised will lessen the burden on your loved ones when you pass. You can leave clear instructions such as location, executors, and resting place.

So, should you have a Will? 

If you are still undecided about making a Will, let me highlight the most important thing you should know. If you don’t have a Will and something happens to you, the government decides who gets your property and assets instead of you. And it won’t necessarily be what you would have wanted. If that’s not enough incentive, making a Will is one of the best ways to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. It also avoids a long and costly probate process for them.

Fill in the form below if you have any questions or want to speak with us about making your Will. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you create a Will that meets your needs. Making a will doesn’t have to be scary, and it’s definitely something worth doing for yourself and your loved ones.