It is a number that is at an all-time high. More than 31 million people in the UK now do not have a Will, a number that has been rising over the last decade. But if you fail to make a Will and keep it updated, all your legacy will be is stress and worry for your loved ones, and at a time they are grieving and least able to cope with it.
Dying intestate – without a Will – also means that your belongings may not be dealt with in a way that you would want.
Writing a Will means that what you leave behind will go to those that you want it to and in the proportions and the way that you want it to. A Will can also ease the way for your loved ones to settle bills, deal with bank accounts and deal with other financial and business affairs.
If you have children under 18, a Will allows you stipulate who their guardians should be if you are a sole parent or in the event that both parents die. With the changing nature of families, many people today want to ensure that part of their estate does not go to former partners or children from a previous relationship.
Carefully considering these matters ahead of time and deciding what you want will mean that your wishes are fully actioned in practice.
Kathryn Caple, an expert in wills and probate at Else Solicitors said: “For many people, writing a will is something they put off and put off and just never quite get round to.
“But if you don’t want your legacy to be stress and worry for your loved ones, then it simply is something that you have to do.
“You want to have the chance to think about and decide on these matters when you have the time to do so, and make sure what happens really reflects your wishes and you have the comfort of knowing those that you want to look after are provided for.
“Although a will does not absolutely have to by law be drawn up by, or witnessed by, a solicitor, there are many situations where a solicitor’s input will be vital.
“It is vital that you do not make a costly and damaging mistake that leaves your loved ones without the provision you want to make for them.”
For more information please contact Kathryn Caple on 01283 526200 or email Kathryn.caple@elselaw.co.uk.