Wills, Trusts & Probate
What Happens To Your Family And Estate
If You Do Not Make A Will?
Everybody should have a Will. Husbands and wives, people living together, single people, young and old. To die without a Will or "intestate" (as it is legally called) so often leads to uncertainty and a trail of misery, potential conflict and avoidable tax bills. If you are unmarried and cohabiting then without a Will the other person has no automatic right in law to inherit what you own. This could leave a partner that you love with little or nothing or months of fighting to try and obtain what they believe is rightfully theirs.
Failing to make a Will can lead to so many problems for extended family and friends, and the people left behind to deal with your estate. We have prepared this guide for you so that you can understand fully why making a Will is so important and should not be put off.
What is a Will?
A Will is a legal binding document to come into effect on death, leaving specific instructions to be given for money, property and personal possessions.
It ensures that the persons whom it is intended to benefit actually do benefit upon death. It also allows you to appoint people that you trust as executors who are ultimately responsible for carrying out your wishes when your Will comes into effect. A Will allows loved ones to be cared for after your death and avoids unnecessary stress and complications.
What Happens If I Don’t Make A Will?
If a person dies without making a Will his or her property and belongings pass to others in an order laid down by rules of intestacy. The difficulty with this is two fold:
- These laws may not necessarily reflect your wishes or intentions; and
- Even if those that you intended will receive something the lack of the Will can delay the process considerably.
What Can I Include In My Will?
You can include in a Will gifts of anything that is of value to you, including property, money, personal possessions and family heirlooms, to chosen beneficiaries. You should also appoint executors and may also provide for funeral expenses as part of your Will.
Who Makes Sure My Wishes Are Carried Out?
A Will nominates executors to deal with the distribution of your estate. Executors have authority immediately upon death to start to carry out your wishes, whereas if an intestacy arises no one has such automatic authority, and authority can only be granted by application of next of kin to the Court. This adds time, expense and unecessary stress to an already difficult time.
What Will Happen To My Children Upon My Death?
A Will can contain the appointment of your choice of guardians for your children. This enables specific arrangements for the physical care of the children to come into operation upon death.
Who Writes My Will?
Firstly you will meet one of our specialised, qualified staff, who will run through some simple questions with you. They will then draft your Will for you to ensure that it meets all of your needs and requirements. It is only through this bespoke service that you can ever really be confident that your Will can achieve exactly what you intend it to do.
Finally we will send your Will to you so that you can check and amend it, if necessary. You will then be encouraged to sign it at our offices to ensure the witnessing requirements are observed as if they are not the Will may be invalid.
Where Is My Will Kept?
We can retain your Will for you and ensure it is kept safe until it is needed, sending you a photocopy of the original for you to retain for reference purposes.
How Much Will It Cost?
As a guide the basic cost for completing a straightforward will starts from as little as £150.00 plus VAT. This cost can vary if the terms of the will are complex or tax issues need to be addressed but we will assess your individual case and send you a letter setting out the costs involved so that you can decide if you would like to proceed.
Can I Change My Will?
Yes, you can. People’s circumstances can change, so amendments can be made. Again, this is done for you by your Solicitor. After making your Will a regular review is advisable.
Ensure That Your Loved Ones Receive What You Want Them To?
There is only one way to ensure that everyone you care for is taken care of in the event of your death, and that is to have a professionally drafted Will. Please do not delay any longer, buy yourself some peace of mind by obtaining your Will now.
For immediate assistance please call us on 0121 236 7388 or complete an Enquiry Form and we will be in touch with you.
Free Enquiry
Call us on 0800 068 3242 or make a Quick Enquiry and we will soon be in touch to explain how we can help you (no cost and no obligation).
Law Shots
Bite sized legal updates to help you and your business.
What our clients say...
"May I thank you for your patience and very helpful, professional way in which you and your staff have handled my case."
Mr M, Hertfordshire