Is it Easy to Make a Will?
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Don t leave your beneficiaries with additional worry and hassle.
People who pass away without a valid will, or intestate, result in costs and worry to their loved ones and often gift thousands of pounds to the Country in what may be avoidable Inheritance Tax (IHT).
The Law Society says that anyone with assets and family or friends should make a will, regardless of their years. It is especially important if you are not married to your partner, because the law does not accord partners the same automatic rights of inheritance as spouses.
Property that is jointly owned by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still go to automatically to the existing partner under the rules of survivorship. Under the current intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no rights to any assets that were not jointly held (although the Law Commission has lately suggested to change this).
Creating a will is also vital if you have children, as you can nominate guardians to care for them.
It is important to create a list of investments, propert and debts and their approximate values. Include your property, investment, savings, insurance policies and pensions.
In addition, consider details of personal bequests. Merely telling a family member that an item will be his or hers one day could cause difficulty later.
You should receive professional advice on inheritance tax planning as part of writing your will. Simple measures could save the beneficiaries of richer homeowners thousands of £’s in taxation.
A vital element of establishing a will is the naming of executors to make sure that your will instructions are carried out.
You should also update your will every or so and whenever your circumstances are altered by a substantial life event, such as marriage, split up or a birth or death in the immediate family. Another instance would be after a house purchase or move.
Whoever constructs up your will, make sure at least 1 copy is kept secure or deposit one with a probate registry.
Consilium Asset Management supply will writing services in Bristol