No-one likes to think about how they are going to meet their end but we sometimes have to look forward to this eventuality, for a few good reasons. One way we can take some of the strain of the future off is by writing a Will, so here are some of the reasons you should get in touch with a solicitor about your Will soon.
For More Than Your Death
You can place clauses in the Will which are about more than what happens after you die. Living Wills are written to help you communicate your wishes in the event that you are unable to make them known. For example, you might receive a diagnosis of dementia from your doctor. If you then made a Living Will, you would be able to dictate what treatments you receive or where you live when the illness has advanced.
Peace of Mind
The most common reason why people choose to make a Will is for peace of mind. They know that their wishes are going to be carried out as they want them to be with it and by speaking with probate solicitors, you can easily begin to draft a Will which details who you wish to leave your possessions to and why. These are important details and sorting them out as soon as possible allows you to know that your wishes will be respected; you can always redraft the Will if circumstances change.
Making it Legal
Surely if you just say to your family and friends where you want your estate to go, that will be enough? Not so. If you die without a Will, the law will decide where your money and possessions go. These procedures are known as the Rules of Intestacy and there are only certain people who the estate can go to if this happens. The only way to avoid Intestacy is to make a legally-binding Will.
It Allows You to Dictate the Inheritors
Have you got a necklace which you know your granddaughter would love? Maybe you want to make a charitable donation to an organisation which has meant a lot to you. If you want sole control over where your money goes when you die, you need to make a Will and the solicitor will also be able to help you with the wording of this. For example, if you want to leave money to your grandchildren it is better to name the lump sum to be split equally, instead of figuring out installments for each named grandchild. This will save you having to redraft if you gain any new grandchildren.
A Will is one of those documents which you need to have written, even if you don’t want to think about it. It is much better for you to dictate where your possessions go instead of leaving it in the hands of the law. If you are ready to make a Will, start making enquiries at a solicitor’s. The sooner you can get something down on paper, the better.