Last Will and Testament

If you’re delaying or even having doubts about writing a will, this page will give you very good reasons why you should.

A SURPRISING AMOUNT OF PEOPLE HAVE A MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE LAW SURROUNDING INHERITANCE.

Many assume that the immediate family will get everything – this is not always the case. Sadly, the law doesn’t work in the way that most of us think it does.

This can lead to immense heartbreak for those left behind, who only learn this when their homes and standards of living are lost.

This is what happens if you die WITHOUT a Will (Intestate)

  • Who sorts your estate out?

    The Courts decide which can take months to years. Whoever is “lucky” enough to get the job will have to distribute it according to strict rules. This usually involves expensive professionals and takes money away from the people who probably need it. Does your family really need all this additional hardship and distress when they are grieving for you?

  • Who gets what?

    This is dictated by a piece of law from 1925 (so it doesn’t reflect modern families). The unmarried (or no civil partnership) partner gets NOTHING. Some will go to your spouse or civil partner, some to the kids (though possibly not those of a previous marriage) or other relatives such as parents and siblings.

  • Specific gifts

    If you would like to leave a specific gift to someone and/or a chosen charity then they will NOT receive them. This is all dictated by the 1925 Act.

  • Inheritance tax

    A chunk of your estate may have to be paid to HMRC, meaning less for loved ones.

If people depend on you, THEY can’t afford for you to not have a Will.
Look after them.

This is what happens if you die with a Will

  • Who sorts your estate out?

    Whoever you named in your Will, because YOU chose the Executors you wanted to administer the estate and the Trustees to look after any Trusts that are created. People you respected, admired and trusted.

  • Who gets what?

    Everyone gets whatever you chose to leave them. This includes unmarried partners and charities. You can look after anyone financially dependent on you in a Will.

  • Specific gifts

    These will be distributed as YOU wanted. You can leave Grandads war medals to your daughter and support your favourite charity. No one loses with a will.

  • Inheritance tax

    No one can promise you won’t pay tax but what you can do is legally arrange your assets in such a way as to minimise your liabilities and maximise what you leave your loved ones.

If you’re a Carer, it is crucial that you write your Will

  • If you die with no Will

    If your cared for person was to receive any money from your intestate estate, there could be big issues.  The amount may not be enough to make sure they are taken care of, BUT it might be enough to impact their means tested benefits and reduce their income. Effectively, your intestate death could  negatively impact your cared for person’s finances and have a devastating effect on their standard of living.

  • It is so important for a Carer to pass on inheritance efficiently to their cared for person

    A Will allows you to put proper financial arrangements in place that can be managed by trusted people, ensuring that you can pass on any inheritance to your cared for person without it affecting their benefits. You can also provide added security by making sure they get to stay in the family home.

Guardianship

You can name someone (within reason) in your Will as your child’s legal guardian. Without a Will, the courts will decide who takes care of young children – that could be someone with morals and values you really don’t admire, trust or respect.

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    WillsLasting Powers of AttorneyInformation for CarersEmergency Wills