Making a Will
Introduction
Many people avoid making a Will. In reality, a Will helps those
left behind. If you die without a Will it means the rules of
intestacy apply. Parliament made these rules and they govern the
division of money, property and possessions belonging to the
deceased. So, if after you die, you want to provide for family,
friends or a charity then you should consider making a Will,
otherwise, the State will decide.
Why I don't need a Will
I haven't got much to leave.
What about your house and its
contents, car, insurance policies, jewellery?
Why You do need a Will
- Do you want to provide for people beyond your immediate
family?
- What about the tax consequences after death?
- Are you separated with children or an unmarried parent, what
will happen to them if you die without making a Will?
- No Will could mean more worries for your family.
Making a Will is a caring and sensible thing to do.
Making the Will
Most people use a Solicitor to help them make a Will, as they
not only have the experience in drawing up a will but also can
provide important advice on different legal issues that may affect
it. You do not have to use a Solicitor but sometimes homemade Wills
do not always mean what the writer thinks they do. There are many
ways in which people who prepare and sign their own Will can go
wrong. A lot of words and terms have specific meanings in law which
are different from their everyday use. This can often lead to
unnecessary and expensive court cases to resolve the matter. If a
Will is made, without the aid of a solicitor, always ensure that it
is correctly witnessed and remember, a Will is a technical legal
document, so if you have any doubts, you should seek a Solicitors
advice.
If you choose to use a Solicitor,
make sure you consider the following in advance of the
meeting:
- The items you have to leave and a rough value of them
- Think about whom you would like to provide for and in what
way
- Consider whether you would like to leave money or property
- Decide who you want to receive your sentimental belongings
- Think about whether you want to leave something to charity
- Choose one or more executor - the executors can be
spouses, or members of the family or friends
Remember Circumstances Can
Change
If you get married, become a homeowner,
inherit money, have children, or if your relationship breaks up,
you should review your Will.
