Why make a Will?
Want to make a Will or change an existing Will? Why not contact us today.
If you die without a will in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (known as ‘dying intestate’) the law decides how your estate is distributed:
  • Who inherits what depends on which of your relatives is alive at your death and how large your estate property is.

  • Spouses, Partners and children don’t automatically receive your estate and unmarried partners, friends and charities will definitely receive nothing.

  • Close relatives may have a claim on the estate - including the family home.

  • Family and friends could well be faced with a complicated financial and legal muddle; and the State could take everything. Typically, this ‘who gets what’ can lead to convoluted and expensive legal disputes.

  • You’ll have no control over who looks after young children should anything happen to you and the courts will appoint someone on your behalf – possibly against your wishes.

  • Your estate may have to pay an inheritance tax charge. The rates and ‘rules’ change regularly.

  • Your family may have to employ professionals to sort out the mess that you leave behind. Their charges could mean significantly less for your beneficiaries.

  • Your loved ones may suffer financial hardship and distress at a time when they least need it, whilst affairs are sorted out.
If you do make a Will then:
  • You decide who benefits from your estate and prevents the law from overriding your wishes. Dealing with your affairs will be easier and the stress on your loved ones will be less painful at a very emotional time.

  • You can name your beneficiaries (including charities and friends if you wish) and you’ll know with certainty who will inherit.

  • You can decide who will be the executor(s) of your will to act according to your express wishes when the time comes. You can also specify your funeral arrangements including whether you wish to be buried or cremated.

  • If you're an unmarried couple (whether or not a same-sex relationship), you can make sure your partner is provided for.

  • If you're divorced, you can decide whether to leave anything to your former partner.

  • You can appoint guardians of your choice to look after your children until they reach the age of eighteen.

  • You can distribute your assets in such a way that any Inheritance Tax charge is minimised or even removed altogether.

    View Chart "Intestacy"
    View Presentation "Why you should make a will"
There are many good reasons to make a will. By making a will in advance with professional advice and the help of a qualified professional will writer you can avoid complex intestacy laws, ensure your wishes are met and reduce the amount of inheritance tax payable.

The process is not painful or life-threatening and doesn’t require you to list all your possessions. It’s never too early, but all too often left too late. Ensure your wishes count - unlike over 50% of people in the UK who don’t have a Will when they die.

To find our more about our Cheltenham Wills 'one stop shop' Will Writing Service why not contact one of our Financial Planning Managers?
Cheltenham Wills - Cheltenham IFA Limited - 10 Montpellier Arcade - Cheltenham - Gloucestershire - Tel: 01242 26 96 56