Why Do I Need a Will?

Heritage Will Writing encourages everyone to write a Will to ensure that your estate goes to the right people when you pass away.

A Will gives you control over what happens to your money and possessions after you die. It certainly makes life easier for whoever handles your affairs. A Will is a document that provides people with a way of leaving instructions that must be followed after your death, giving many families peace of mind.

A Will is more than simply deciding who gets what. It is also about appointing responsible people to administer your estate. By writing a Will, you choose who makes those important financial decisions.

Often, the best time to start thinking about making a Will is when you purchase your first property, get married, start a family or start a business.

Getting Married

If you have just married, it is important to be aware that marriage automatically revokes any previous Will. As under the Intestacy Rules, the surviving spouse does not always automatically inherit everything, therefore you will need to ensure your wishes are up to date and that you have a valid Will in place.

Starting a Family

If you have children, then you will need to provide for them. Who is going to look after your children if you die whilst they are under the age of 18? You may have appointed godparents when your children were Christened, but this has no legal bearing on who becomes their legal guardian should something happen to you.

What Happens if I Don't Have a Will?

If a person dies without a valid Will in place, they are deemed to have died intestate. Dying intestate means that the Rules of Intestacy take effect and the law sets out who should inherit the deceased’s property, personal possessions and money, and how the estate should be shared.

If a person dies intestate, dealing with their estate can be complicated and it can take time to apply for the Letters of Administration and to then administer the estate, especially for complex cases.

As a guide, please see our Intestacy flowchart which outlines the main decision points.

Do I Need a Trust in My Will?

A Trust is an arrangement whereby the Trustees hold and administer property or money on behalf and for the benefit of the beneficiaries.

At Heritage Will Writing, we offer specialist advice in the establishment of Trust planning within your Will, to ensure that the appropriate planning is in place to provide you and your family with the required protection and peace of mind. Whether that is protection for the future against Long Term Care, minimising Inheritance Tax across generations, protection for a vulnerable beneficiary and protection against potential sideways disinheritance.

Depending on your circumstances, Trust planning may be advisable. Due to the various types of Trust available, contact Heritage Will Writing on 02380 879243 or contact us to book a free consultation to discuss your circumstances and requirements.