Have you thought about what would happen to your assets if you died without a Will? It’s a difficult topic to consider, but putting a Will in place is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and future.
Shockingly, research by pension and insurance company Canada Life has consistently found that over half of the adults in the UK have not made a Will. If they die without one, they’ll be intestate, and their assets distributed in accordance with default rules (known as ‘the rules of intestacy’).
Make your wishes known
A Will is the only way to make sure your money, property and personal possessions go to the people and causes you care about. Without one, the rules of intestacy set out who inherits – and it might not reflect what you would have wanted.
You can also use your Will to:
• Appoint guardians for your children
• Make financial provision for dependents
• Leave gifts to friends, charities, or organisations
• Set out funeral wishes
Reduce stress and uncertainty
Losing a loved one is hard enough. A clear, legally valid Will reduces the burden on your family at a time of grief. It helps avoid confusion, prevents disputes, and ensures decisions don’t have to be made under pressure.
Protect against inheritance tax
A well-drafted Will can help manage how much inheritance tax is paid – making sure more of your estate goes to your loved ones. With advice from our legal and financial experts, we can create a plan that works for you.
Plan for the unexpected
No one knows what the future holds and yet, approximately 31 million UK adults do not have a Will in place. Making a Will is not just for later life – it’s relevant to anyone with children, property, or financial assets. It can then be reviewed and updated as life and your personal circumstances change.
Giving you the full picture
Our private client solicitors will talk you through the process clearly and without jargon. We’ll help you understand your options and draft a Will that reflects your wishes. We’ll also make sure it meets all legal requirements and help protect against any potential future challenges against the terms of the Will.
If you already have a Will, we recommend reviewing it regularly – especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or having children.
Get in touch
If you’re ready to make a new Will, wish to review an existing one or just want to talk through your options, we’re here to help. Book a confidential, no-obligation chat with one of our expert Wills and probate solicitors