Wills

Planning for the distribution of your assets upon your death is crucial to ensure that your final wishes are honoured and your loved ones are cared for. You should always review your Will after every major life event or change in circumstances.

A Will is one of the most significant legal documents you will ever create. Properly drafting your Will, with the assistance of our team, is essential, as it determines how your estate will be divided among your beneficiaries and appoints a person or persons of your choosing (Executor(s)) to administer your estate.  Many people mistakenly believe that their assets will automatically pass to their spouse or partner upon their death. However, this is not always the case, and, without a valid Will in place, your estate may be distributed according to the rigid rules of intestacy, which may not align with your intentions.

Benefits of having a Will in place

i. Express your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets;

ii. Include specialist provisions and trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries or those on benefits;

iii. Include inheritance tax planning and trusts to minimise any inheritance tax liability;

iv. Appoint guardians for minor children and provide funeral wishes;

v. Reduce the risk of family disputes and misunderstanding, saving your estate time and money;

vi. Benefit individuals or charities who would not otherwise benefit under an intestacy;

vii. Decide at what age you are comfortable for younger beneficiaries to inherit;

viii. Ensure you are not at risk of partial intestacy

Divorce/Marriage

i. If your divorced spouse/ex-civil partner is still named in your Will, the law will treat them as having died on the date of the decree absolute, thus they cannot benefit from any inheritance specified.

ii. Unless your Will was made in contemplation of marriage or a civil partnership, your Will automatically becomes invalid (revoked) on the date of your marriage/civil partnership.

Care home fees

We know planning for the future can be a worry. Professional advice is essential as the rules around care funding and trusts are complex, but, with the right advice, a Will can include provisions to protect both your home and your beneficiaries’ inheritance.

Our team are here to guide you through the process of creating a Will that best reflects your wishes. We offer a personalised service tailored to your individual circumstances. We can also undertake hospital, care home and home visits where required.

For information about Trusts click here.

For information about Probate click here.

For information about Powers of Attorney click here.