Why Should I Make a Will? Misconceptions about making a will include: I only need to think about making a will when I get older I have very little to leave, so making a will isn’t important Everything will go to my children, even if I don’t make a will.  Planning your estate and making your wishes clear can reduce liability for inheritance tax and make sure that your family and friends inherit as you would wish.    CONTACT US    

Why Should I Make a Will? 

Misconceptions about making a will include: 
I only need to think about making a will when I get get older 
I have very little to leave, so making a will isn’t important 
Everything will go to my children, even if I don’t make a will. 
 
Planning your estate and making your wishes clear can reduce liability for inheritance tax and make sure that your family and friends inherit as you would wish. 
 
 
  CONTACT US   
 
Without a will you will be intestate, and that means when you die your estate will be dealt with according to the law, rather than as you would wish. 
 
If you would like the peace of mind that comes with putting your affairs in order, then please get in touch. 

 Fewer than one in three adults in the UK has made a will. 

People often don’t realise that they have significant and sometimes substantial assets. If they die without clearly explaining what they want to happen, or where their assets are held, it can be slow and costly to sort it all out. 
 
If you want to have any say in what happens to your assets after you die, then it is important that you have a properly prepared and witnessed will. 

Providing for your partner 

One of the biggest changes in recent years is the rise in unmarried partnerships (often called ‘common law’ marriages). 
 
Many unmarried couples believe that they have the same rights as married partners, but this isn’t the case. 
 
In some circumstances an unmarried partner will receive nothing from their loved one’s estate. So, for example, your partner might not even be able to remain living in your home, especially if there has been a previous marriage or if there are surviving children. 
 
Brothers, sisters and parents may all have a claim if you haven’t made specific provision for your partner in  
your will. 

 Caring for your children after your death 

If your children are below 18 years of age when you die, it’s important that the financial and care arrangements you would wish for are made clear in your will. 
 
It is possible that the Court will make these decisions if you haven’t left clear instructions.  
 
This can take months and cause distress for your children and other members of your family. 

Everything can go the Crown 

Many people don’t realise that if they die without a will and don’t have any surviving relatives then all of their assets can go the Government. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Will 

 
 
 
 
"Can I write my own will?" 
Yes, you can, as long as you 
have capacity*. However, it’s important to take professional advice if your will isn’t straightforward. 
 
You might accidentally exclude 
something or someone and then 
your wishes can’t be implemented. To be valid your will must be formally witnessed and signed. 
Find out more at gov.uk 
"Can I change my will?" 
You can review your will at any 
time and make alterations called 
‘codicils’ or rewrite it, provided that you have the capacity* to do so. 
 
If you made your will some time ago, it's probably worth reviewing as your circumstances change. 
See advice from the Society of Will Writers. 
"How much does a will cost?" 
It can be less expensive than you think. Many charities offer 
support for basic wills. 
 
If your requirements 
are more complex you will need 
some professional advice. 
Whatever you do, a will gives you and your loved ones security and peace of mind for the future, which is priceless. 
More information from the Money Advice Service. 
"What is probate?" 
 
Probate is the legal process for 
dealing with the estate of someone who has died. It's the responsibility of the executors named in their will. 
 
In most cases, these will 
be family members or friends, but some people appoint professional executors. 
Here's a summary of probate from Which? 
"Can I write my own will?" 
Yes, you can, as long as you 
have capacity*. 
However, it’s important to 
take professional advice if your will isn’t straightforward. 
 
You might accidentally exclude 
something or someone and then 
your wishes can’t be implemented. To be valid your will must be formally witnessed and signed. 
 
Find out more at gov.uk 
"Can I change my will?" 
TYou can review your will at any 
time and make alterations called 
‘codicils’ or rewrite it, provided that you have the capacity* to do so. 
 
If you made your will some time ago, it's probably worth reviewing as your circumstances change. 
 
See advice from the Society of Will Writers. 
"How much does a will cost?" 
It can be less expensive than you think. Many charities offer 
support for basic wills. 
 
If your requirements 
are more complex you will need 
some professional advice. 
Whatever you do, a will gives you and your loved ones security and peace of mind for the future, which is priceless. 
 
More information from the Money Advice Service. 
"What is probate?" 
Probate is the legal process for 
dealing with the estate of someone who has died. It's the responsibility of the executors named in their will. 
 
In most cases, these will 
be family members or friends, but some people appoint professional executors. 
 
Here's a summary of probate from Which? 
*’Testamentary capacity’ is the legal term used to describe your legal and mental ability to make or alter a valid will. If you lack testamentary capacity at the time your will is executed, it will be invalid. Find out more in The Gazette. 
 
For more information please call Angela Jane on 01604 953130 mobile: 07825 331447 or contact us here.