Everyone should have a Will. While none of us wants to think about a time when we are no longer here, it’s essential to make sure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes should you pass away.
Unfortunately, the current coronavirus pandemic has made the importance of making a Will even more relevant. Solicitors in recent times have seen an increase in enquiries from people asking about will and probate services. That’s not too surprising when you consider that about 2 out of 5 homeowners don’t have one.
The Importance of Having a Will in Place
Dying intestate (without a Will) means that there is no record of what you want to happen to your estate when you pass on. This can mean that the court has to eventually decide how your property, money and possessions are allocated.
Many cohabiting couples believe that, if one of them dies, the estate automatically goes to the surviving partner. This is not true and it could mean that your possessions are passed onto next of kin.
The purpose of a Will is to clearly define who you want your estate to be given to. You can make stipulations in your document such as leaving property to a loved one, who should look after your pets, who takes over your business when you die and how you provide for children.
When you write a Will, you also nominate an executor who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes when you pass away.
While Coronavirus doesn’t affect everyone equally, we can never be sure how it will impact our lives. Having a Will in place may seem morbid but it does ensure that, if the worst happens, your assets will go to the right people.
Why You Need a Will Written by a Solicitor
While you don’t have to hire the services of a qualified will and probate solicitor, there are several reasons why this is always the best approach. Will writing services may seem cheap on the surface but they can often be unsuitable, particularly for more complicated estates.
This is a legal document and it is easy to make mistakes with the wording which mean that, when your estate is settled, it could lead to disputes. Sorting out these kinds of misunderstanding can mean sizeable legal bills for those left behind.
A qualified solicitor will make sure that you cover all aspects of your estate that need to be highlighted in the Will and how these are to be distributed. They’ll also ensure that the Will is properly written, legally binding and witnessed. They also ensure it is stored correctly. You will be protected if something goes wrong as all solicitors are required to carry professional indemnity insurance.
Contact Forster Dean
At Forster Dean, our experienced solicitors handle all areas of wills and probate, including putting together a legally sound and appropriate will. If you are looking for peace of mind and want to be confident that your estate will be settled according to your wishes, contact our friendly team today.
