There are hundreds of reasons why a Will is important but the most important is simply this: a valid will is the only legal document which controls your assets upon your death.
Most people think a Will has to be a complex and lengthy document which contains obscure legal jargon but it doesn’t have to be like that. A Will can be as simple or as complex as you wish it to be.
Those couple of hours you spend having a Will drawn up can save your family and friends months spent in court rooms and thousands on legal fees should disputes arise.
Inheritance Tax liability can be reduced saving your family the money they deserve.
If you are a resident of England and Wales and you die without having left a valid Will, your estate will be dealt in accordance with the ‘Intestacy Rules’.
There are now more than 2.3 million unmarried couples in the UK. If you are unmarried, there is no automatic provision for your partner – no matter how long you have been together. A partner can make a claim for provision to the courts under specific circumstances however this can be extremely time consuming and vastly expensive.
If you do not have any immediate family, your whole estate will fall to the crown. Over 11,000 people who passed away recently without making a Will have had their estates fall to the crown.
Did you know that once you are married, any existing Wills will be cancelled? Conversely, if you get a divorce, your Will remains in force.
We strongly advise updating your Will on any major life changes to ensure it fully reflects your wishes at that time. Failure to do so can leave everything you have ever worked for; falling into the hands of those you didn’t wish for it to do so.
Wills include:
- Naming who you elext as your executors
- Any burial wishes
- Gifts
- Residuary estate distributions
- Contingency plans
- Trusts
- Guardianships
Contacting us
Call us today to arrange a free consultation to discuss your Will in more detail and enjoy the peace of mind knowing your loved ones will be looked after. Call us on 01753 592 000 or send an email to info@fitz-legal.com.