Making a Will with the assistance of a qualified solicitor is usually a relatively quick and uncomplicated process. However, the law relating to Wills and the administration of estates can be very complicated.

Your Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign.

20 Reasons for making a Will

* To make things easier for your nearest and dearest when you are no longer around to make major decisions for them.

* To prevent your home from being sold while someone in your family e.g. husband or wife still needs to live in it.

* To appoint a person to administer your affairs who you know will properly manage matters.

* To appoint a guardian for any of your children under the age of 18.

* To make financial provision for your children’s upkeep and education.

* To provide a gift to your children later than the age of 18 if you are worried they may waste your money if they receive it all at 18 or be exploited by others.

* To ensure that any of your children from previous relationships do not lose out.

* To make sure there are no family arguments.

* To ensure if you both die together your joint Estate goes to those who you would like to benefit, which may not be certain members of either of your families or distant members with whom you have had little contact over the years.

* To prevent the Government or anyone else deciding who gets what.
 
* To make provision for your unmarried partner, without which he/she may suffer unnecessary hardship.

* To make provision for an elderly or handicapped relative so the Government does not take it all.

* To have the opportunity to benefit any charities of your choice.

* To include specific funeral arrangements.

* To pass on family heirlooms and personal items.

* To ensure your family do not pay more than is absolutely necessary in terms of Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

* To provide gifts for more distant members of your family and friends.

* To provide for family pets.

* If you do not have close relatives your Estate may pass to Prince Charles and the Duchy of Cornwall.

* By not making a Will before you die your Estate will be distributed under fixed rules of law i.e. your Estate does not go where you want it to go and can create problems and unnecessary expense.

If you wish to make your Will, or if you have a Will and you want a review of your existing arrangements, please contact Jeremy Edwards on 01326 318900 for further discussion or email jeremy@prestongoldburn.com.