Why Should I Make a Will?

A Will is one of the most important documents that you can create during your lifetime. It is imperative that you have one in place as one never knows what is around the corner.  Here are 6 reasons why it’s imperative that you make a Will.

1. A Will is the only way to make sure your estate (which includes any savings and possessions or even property) go to the people and causes that you care about. This is perhaps the most imperative point and will ensure that your wishes are carried out and not decided by somebody else.

2. Dividing inheritance can cause huge arguments between relatives, especially where money is concerned and who has the rights to it.  Leaving a Will should remove any doubt about who you want to leave your estate to. A relative can still lay claim to some or all of the estate, but if your Will is structured properly, it will remove this ambiguity.

3. You may decide that you want your inheritance to pass to someobody when they reach a certain age. For example, some people set an age of 21 rather than 18 or perhaps even older if the recipient is not good at managing money.

4. A Will ensures that assets are kept within your family and are passed down your family line.  New spouses or second families could inherit your assets in the future, leaving your family without. A well written will can ensure that all sides are looked after.

5. Your Will enables you to appoint trustees to your estate, whom you will trust to look after your estate.  It also means that you have presented exactly who receives your estate and so there is no requirement for the trustees to track down long-lost relatives, all of which costs money.

6. Your Will can be drafted in a way to put some assets aside for your children rather than just all to your spouse. This could be advantageous in situations where your spouse needs funding for care, as some of the estate will be protected away from meeting these costs.

In summary, dying without a Will can mean that your loved ones are left with a financial and emotional mess to deal with, at a time when they are grieving your loss.

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The Benefits of Having a Will

Having a will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s assets and possessions will be distributed after their death, it can provide numerous benefits. Some of the key benefits of having a will include:

Ensuring that your wishes are carried out: By creating a will, you can specify how your assets should be distributed after your death. This can help ensure that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones receive the assets and possessions that you intended for them to have.

Avoiding family disputes: When a person dies without a will, their assets are distributed according to laws. This can sometimes result in family disputes, particularly if there are disagreements over who should receive certain assets. Having a will can help avoid these disputes and make the process of distributing assets much smoother.

Minimising estate taxes: A well-crafted will can also help minimise the amount of taxes and costs that your loved ones will have to pay after your death. By using certain strategies, such as setting up trusts, you may be able to reduce the burden on your estate.

Nominating guardians for minor children: If you have minor children, a will is particularly important because it allows you to nominate a guardian to care for them in the event of your death. Without a will, a court will need to appoint a guardian, which may not be the person you would have chosen.

Providing peace of mind: Finally, having a will can provide peace of mind, both for yourself and for your loved ones. By having a clear plan in place for the distribution of your assets, you can help alleviate any worries or concerns that you or your family members may have about the future.

Types of Wills

There are several types of wills, each with its own purpose and requirements. The main types of wills include:

Simple Will: A simple will is the most common type of will and is appropriate for people who have a relatively uncomplicated estate. It typically outlines how a person’s assets will be distributed after their death and may also nominate an executor to handle the estate.

Testamentary Trust Will: A testamentary trust will is a type of will that includes provisions for setting up a trust after the testator’s death. This type of will is often used to provide for minor children, disabled beneficiaries, or to protect assets from creditors.

Joint Will: A joint will is a single will that is created by two people, typically spouses or domestic partners, who want to leave their assets to each other. This type of will is not very common, and it can be inflexible since it does not allow for changes after one of the parties has died.

Living Will: A living will is not technically a will, but rather a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment in the event that they become incapacitated and cannot make decisions for themselves. It is also known as an advance healthcare directive.

For Advice on Making a Will, Contact Complete Estate Protection Today

For information and advice on making a will, contact Complete Estate Protection for a no-obligation discussion about what is open to you, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We provide our services across the local area including Stockton and Middlesbrough.