Almost two thirds of the adult UK population have not made a Will.

It is important for you to make a Will irrespective of whether you consider you have many possessions and money (assets), or not. If you die without making a Will (known as intestacy), the Law dictates who can deal with your estate and how your money, property and possessions are distributed.

Major factors of the importance in making a Will are:- 

• if you die without a Will, your property and money may not go to the people you intended;
• you can decide who you want to look after your affairs and deal with your estate on your death by appointing Executors
• unmarried partners and partners who have not registered a civil partnership cannot inherit from each other unless there is a Will, so the death of one partner may create serious financial problems for the remaining partner;
• if you have children, you will need to make a Will so that arrangements for the children can be made if either one or both parents die;
• it may be possible to reduce the amount of tax payable on the inheritance if advice is taken in advance and a suitable Will made;
• if your circumstances have changed, it is important that you make a Will to ensure that your money and possessions are distributed according to your wishes. For example, if you have separated and your ex-partner now lives with someone else, you may want to change your Will. If you are married or enter into a registered civil partnership, this will make any previous Will you have made invalid. 

Drawing up a Will doesn’t have to be a daunting process. By coordinating the handling of your affairs with a lawyer trained in the area of Will writing, you can get your affairs in order so that your family or friends receive the inheritance you would wish them to.

Although it is possible to write a Will by yourself, it is advisable to use a solicitor to draw up your Will as there are various legal formalities you need to follow to make sure that your Will is valid. To the lay person it is easy to make mistakes and, if there are errors in the Will, this can cause problems after your death. Sorting out misunderstandings and disputes after your death may result in considerable legal costs, which may reduce the amount of money in the estate.

For advice and guidance or to make an appointment to discuss your wishes please contact Paul Southall on 0121 784 8484 or 0121 785 4428