If you care about what happens to your property after you die, you should make a Will. Without one, the state directs who inherits, so that your friends, favourite charity and relatives may get nothing.
It is particularly important to make a Will if you are not married to your partner. This is because the law currently does not automatically recognise partners as having the same legal rights as husbands and wives. As a result, even if you have lived together for many years, your partner may be left with nothing if you have not made a Will. Even if you are married your spouse may not automatically inherit the whole of your estate.
A Will is also vital if you have children or dependents who may not be able to care for themselves. Without a Will there could be uncertainty about who will look after or provide for them if you die.
Your Solicitor can also advise you about how inheritance tax affects what you own and you may be able to plan your financial affairs to minimise the impact of inheritance tax on your estate. We can advise you about this and can write a Will that is tailor made for you. A properly drawn Will ensures that the things you have worked for will benefit the people you choose and not anybody else, or indeed the taxman!
You should also consider taking legal advice about making a Will if :
You need to review your Will periodically because some changes to your circumstances (for example marriage, separation or divorce) can make all or part of that Will invalid or inadequate. This means that you must review your Will regularly to reflect any major life changes. A Solicitor can tell you what changes may be necessary to update your Will.