What Is a Will?
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Don t leave your beneficiaries with additional expenses and hassle.
Individuals who die without an up to date will, or intestate, leave complications and costs to their loved ones and often gift thousands of £’s to the Country in what may be avoidable Inheritance Tax (IHT).
The Law Society says that anyone with possessions and family or friends should make a will, disregarding of their years. It is particularly important if you are not married to your partner, because the law does not give partners the same rights of inheritance as spouses.
Assets which are owned jointly by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still pass automatically to the existing spouse under the rules of survivorship. Under the current intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no rights to assets and property that were not jointly owned (although the Law Commission has of late suggested to change this).
Forming a will is also vital if you have children, as you can nominate guardians to look after them.
It is vital to create a list of assets and debts and their approximate values. Include your property, investments, savings, insurance policies and pensions.
In addition, consider details of specific legacies. Simply telling a family member that an item will be his or hers one day could cause problems later.
You should take professional advice on estate planning as part of writing your will. Easy measures could save the beneficiaries of more affluent householders thousands of £’s in taxation.
An important factor of preparing a will is the appointment of executors to make sure that your will wishes are carried out correctly.
You should also update your will every or so and whenever your circumstances are altered by a important life event, such as marriage, divorce or a birth or death in the close family. Another instance would be after a house buy or move.
Whoever makes up your will, make sure at least one copy is kept secure or deposit one with a probate registry.
Consilium Asset Management supply will writing services in Bristol


