WillingWays

Nearly every day around 2,000 people die in this country, unfortunately the majority inadvertently do so without having made a legally valid Will. Leaving their loved ones not just to mourn, but to deal with all the challenges Intestacy brings too.



Intestacy means the State writes your Will for you, distributing your assets accordingly. Ask yourself..."do I really want the state to say how my assets are distributed after my demise?"



Most people assume all their possessions will automatically pass to their spouse or partner. This is not true, even in marriage as it depends on the size of the deceased's estate and the family tree. It most certainly isn't the situation were a couple are not married. It's surprising how many people who live together still think there is a legally recognised state of 'common-law-spouse', there IS NOT!!



Not having a legally valid Will also means that you will simply allow the Inland Revenue to, if applicable, take a share of your estate when you might with good planning have been able to keep all of it for your family.

Indeed, you may even know of someone who has suffered through the ignorance or apathy of a deceased partner or parent, please don't let it happen to your loved ones!



Would you really want your partner or family to face unnecessary difficulties at a time which is likely to be distressing enough? Especially when dying in testate can mean an estate is not settled for many years, up to seven in fact. It can also highten the danger of executors being sued for incorrectly disbursing an estate.



Important: - Even if you have a Will, should you marry or divorce either event will annul any existing arrangement. It is also wise to revisit your estate planning on the birth of child or the loss of an Executor or Guardian.

In addition, if you have any property or assets abroad it is very wise that you also arrange a local Will.



While we are talking about being abroad, if might appear strange but if you are living in England or Wales having moved here from either Scotland or Northern Ireland, even though these countries are part of the UK, some of their laws are different and this includes those appertaining to Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney so again it would be wise to review them. Obviously the same applies if you've moved the other way.



There really is no excuse for not having a Will, it wont kill you nor is it expensive and in any event you don't make one everyday; do you?



However, the best reason of all for making a Will has to be, you show those around you how much you care. For further information, about wills, our services and the benefits to you, visit our website, or call now on 0800 458 9724