Why Make a Will?

What is a Will?

A Will is a legal document which details your instructions on what should happen to your estate when you pass away. Your estate includes everything you own when you die, for example property (such as your home), savings, investments and of course your personal possessions.  It is legally binding and therefore you can be confident that your estate will be distributed to the people you have said should inherit.

Many people also choose to express certain ‘wishes’ in their Will such as funeral requirements. Whilst these are not legally binding in themselves, recording your wishes in your Will ensures that they are documented in the event that you have not discussed these issues with your loved ones during your lifetime.

Most important reasons to make a Will…..

• To ensure your property and possessions pass to those loved ones you would want to receive them; and equally ensure that people who you would not wish to receive anything do not inherit!
• To appoint people you know and trust to deal with your estate and ensure your wishes are carried out
• To ensure your (unmarried) partner is properly provided for
• To appoint guardians to look after any children who may be under 18
• To make your funeral wishes known
• To ensure that those living with you are able to continue living in the home after your death
• To protect your family home from being sold to pay for care fees
• To reduce the amount of inheritance tax which your estate may have to pay
• Don’t leave it to chance; there are very strict rules about who should receive your property if you haven’t made a Will; (in many cases you would not want these rules to apply!)

CLICK TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU DON’T MAKE A WILL

Estimates suggest that only 3 in 10 of us have actually made a Will. So if any of these sound like familiar ‘excuses’, then at least you know you’re in good company…..