Why make a will?

The only certain way to ensure that your spouse, partner, relative or other person(s) inherit what you want them to inherit is to make a Will. Making a will protects your loved ones and provides ease of administration. 

• If you die without a will, it is known as dying intestate. Under the laws of intestacy, there is a strict ‘pecking order’ which indicates who inherits what. This may not necessarily be in accordance with your wishes. It also can be complicated and cause unnecessary problems.
• When the intestacy provisions apply, it can mean:
  • Your spouse does not inherit all of your estate
  • Children may inherit at a very young age
  • Stepchildren, who you may want to inherit, are excluded
  • A partner may not receive anything at al
  • Administration of the estate could be longer and more expensive

If you have previously made a will and your circumstances have changed, you must review your will to ensure that your assets are still set to be distributed under your wishes. For example, if you have separated or divorced, you may wish to change your will.

It is advisable to consult a solicitor about making a will as a will made by a solicitor is legally binding. Homemade Wills or Wills made by an unqualified draftsman should be treated with caution. Badly drafted wills drawn up without sufficient advice can cause more problems than having no will at all. Instructing a solicitor to draft your will ensures you receive the correct advice to make the appropriate decisions and obtain the desired outcome.

To instruct TMJ Legal Services to draft your will, please call us on 01429 235616 to arrange a free, no-obligation appointment.