Do I need a Will?

If you are one of those people who has continually put off making a Will, or thought it was unnecessary, here are seven good reasons why you need a Will.

1.            To ensure that the people you wish to benefit from your assets on your death do so.

2.             To appoint executors thereby ensuring your assets are dealt with by people with the necessary experience and in whom you have trust, rather than by those who the law decides shall administer your affairs.

3.             To appoint guardians of any infant children.

4.             To fix the age at which your children will inherit.

As property prices have risen over the years, the value of a child’s inheritance has grown, and you need to consider ask yourself whether in the event of an untimely death you wish your children to acquire all your worldly wealth at the age of eighteen.  We will advise you on the effects of postponing the age at which your children inherit.

5.             To draw your Will in such a way as to minimise the inheritance tax payable on your death. 

6.             To minimise the possibility of a successful claim being made against your estate by a former spouse, or children who you do not wish to benefit.

7.             To confer upon your Executors the wide powers necessary to enable them to administer your estate in the best way possible. 

Often people put off making a Will because they are not entirely sure how they wish to deal with their assets.  Do not fall into that trap!  Our experience means that we are often able to advise you on ways of dealing with your assets in ways which you have not considered in order to give effect to your wishes.  In cases where you are still uncertain, remember that a Will which is 90% right is better than no Will at all.