If someone dies without leaving a Will, then their estate must be dealt with under the rules of Intestacy, meaning you have no choice over who benefits from your estate.

Leaving a Last Will and Testament offers the following advantages:

• Certainty of having your affairs in order
• Choice of: (a) who is to benefit (b) to what degree
• Choice of Executors
• Ability to give pecuniary legacies (i.e. gifts of money)
• Ability to give specific legacies (gifts of e.g. jewellery, items of furniture)
• Power to appoint guardian/s for under age children
• Possibility of reducing tax liability by proper arrangement of affairs
• Permits flexibility rather than the strict following of rules laid down by the law the results of which may make life very difficult for a surviving spouse with the present high value of the 'matrimonial home'

Why Make a Will?

Making a Will is important for you, your family and loved ones. It is your chance to express your final wishes in a legal document to ensure that your affairs are handled exactly as you wish and direct. A Will allows you to set out specific arrangements, wishes and instructions, in a legal document that by Law must be followed. This can provide great peace of mind knowing that your finances are going to the people or organisations you want them to, your children have guardians listed should the worst occur and you have listed your wishes for your funeral arrangements and plans to ease your chosen Executor in planning the funeral itself.

Even if you don't own property it is important to make a Will. Making a Will means you can be rest assured with the knowledge that your possessions and property will be divided up in line with your wishes, and it will be easier for your family to manage your affairs when you die.

• you risk much of your estate going to the government in Inheritance Tax
• the people you would like to benefit from your estate, may not be provided for
• your partner will not automatically inherit from you if you're not married or in a civil partnership
• there will be no arrangements to look after any children you leave behind
• your family may find it difficult to settle your affairs.

Changing an existing Will

You may have to change your Will if you remarry or have a child for example. Often you can use a codicil to make a small amendment. But if you are making big changes, it's usually best to draw up another Will. If you're not sure what you need to do, then please do get in touch. We will be happy to discuss your proposed changes and rewrite your Will in the most appropriate way for you.

How we can help

If you would like to write a Will or discuss your plans we can help. As specialist in Willwriters we have the experience and qualifications to help you plan your estate.

We're happy to:

• meet or talk with you to discuss the details of your estate
• recommend the best ways to limit Inheritance Tax your beneficiaries will pay
• if you would like to relieve your family of the burden of dealing with the estate we can act as your executors and administer your estate.