You don’t have to be old or ill to draw up a Will. And there’s no need to be superstitious about it. It’s just a part of any sensible financial planning.
Although it is possible to take a DIY approach (only when your affairs are straightforward), it’s wise to use a solicitor to help write your Will. This ensures the Will is legally enforceable and that your wishes will be carried out when you’re gone.
It’s particularly important to have a Will (or to review your existing Will to ensure it reflects your current situation) when:
- You care about your loved ones and want to help avoid potential arguments
- You want to reduce the Inheritance Tax your beneficiaries will have to pay
- You’d like to specify the age you want young relatives to inherit
- You’re engaged to be married or enter into a civil partnership, you’re remarried, or you’re unmarried with children
- You’ve got complex or international assets, and/or Trusts
- You own or share residential property and/or agricultural land
If you die without a Will, the intestacy rules dictate who gets what – and that might not be what you want.
As with all legal matters, it’s complicated. Do give us a call and we’ll talk it through.
Related reading
For more information, see our page on Wills, Trusts & Tax planning, visit the Citizen’s Advice website, or or click to read (or re-read) our related articles: