Why Make A Will?
Nowadays most people work hard to provide for themselves and their family. Few would be happy to let inflexible laws dictate how their money is to spent and their property and assets allocated.
Unfortunately that is exactly what happens if you die without leaving a Will, (or “intestate”).
The laws that govern intestacy are rigid and take no account of your wishes or those of your relatives.
Dying without a will can mean that your money and property pass to beneficiaries that you would not have chosen. Your relatives may be also left to cope with complications when they are least able to do so and this can immeasurably increase the distress caused by your death.
If you die without having made a Will it could mean that one of the main beneficiaries is the Inland Revenue! You can be sure that the intestacy laws were not designed to save tax being paid on your estate (see Trusts and Tax Planning).
Research shows that only one in three adults has made a will and of those who do make a will most leave it until later in life. Wills are not just for the elderly - at Birchall Blackburn we believe that everyone over the age of 18 should have an up to date will no matter how large or small your estate.
Wills are essential for parents of children who are under 18. By making a will you can record your wishes for the future care and upbringing of your children. Your will can then be used as evidence of your wishes should there be a dispute as to how and by whom your children will be cared for. You can also decide who should be responsible for looking after their financial affairs and this doesn’t have to be the same people who look after your children on a day-to-day basis.
If you are divorced or have children from a previous marriage a Will can be vital to ensure that your children are provided for and that an ex-partner or spouse does not inadvertently become a beneficiary of your estate.
Currently the law does not protect the rights of co-habitees to the same extent as married couples so by making a Will you can ensure that your partner’s position is protected.
Contact Birchall Blackburn to make a Will and seize the opportunity to decide for yourself who should benefit from your hard earned money and property - whether it be your relatives, friends or even the local cats home!
Key Services:
- Will drafting
- Will amendments
- Acting as executors
If you would like more information, please contact the following:
email Elaine Roberts or phone on 01772 552233