Making a will with Wilkins solicitors

Have you made a Will?
Something like 70% of us don’t, so why should you be different?

There are many reasons why intestacy may not be the right thing for you. Some of them are outlined below.

Why make a Will?
Perhaps you’ve thought about it, but have never done anything more. After all, we’ve all heard the comments:

"Everything goes to your wife anyway"

"I haven’t got any money. I don’t need a Will"

"I’m a widow with no children, so why does it matter".

Well not everything does always go to your spouse. It depends on the value of your estate. Some may go to children. If you aren’t actually married, a "common law spouse" may get nothing without a will. So far as not having enough money to need a will - what about that life policy or pension fund money payable to your estate? If you have young children, appointing guardians is vital, in case anything happens to you.

If you have no immediate family but good friends, you might well want them to benefit from your estate rather than distant cousins, who might inherit if you have no will.

Doesn’t it make sense to make a will so that things are dealt with as you want?

But aren’t there lots of formalities?
Yes, there are formalities to making a will legally effective, but we can guide you through them. At first you need to think about what you have and those you want to leave it to. Then add a little more detail by considering, for example:-

Executors - The people whose job it is to sort out your estate, pay the bills, sell the house and so on.

Guardians - To look after your children.

Legacies - Cash or specific items to go to your friends and family or charity.

Special personal or property needs - Such as a second marriage, property abroad, a business etc.

Tax Planning
Depending on the value of your estate, and if your financial affairs are more complex, you may be advised to consider the need for tax planning. The burden of death duties can be reduced via a number of routes. These can include simply making the best use of exemptions, or in some cases the use of trusts. We can advise you on all of these matters.

What does it cost?
Not as much as you might think. Our charges are normally fixed. For example, a single straightforward will would be £100* plus VAT for single, £150* plus VAT for husband and wife. Obviously if matters are not straight forward, or you need specialist advice, then our costs may be more, but we will always tell you the cost in advance.

* These prices were effective as at May 2008; to check on current prices, please telephone us.

What next?
Make an appointment to discuss your will with a solicitor at Wilkins. We can help you firm up your ideas, advise on Inheritance Tax and answer your questions.

Alternatively please telephone or e-mail Sarah Hemmings or Rosanne Ward , so we can assist.