What Is a Will?
Don t leave your family and children with additional heartache and hassle.
Individuals who pass away without a valid will, or intestate, result in complications and costs to their families and often gift thousands of £’s to the Nation in what may be avoidable Inheritance Tax (IHT).
The Law Society says that anyone with possessions and family or friends should make a will, irrespective of their years. It is especially important if you are not married to your partner, because the law does not give partners the same rights of inheritance as spouses.
Assets which are jointly owned by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still pass automatically to the living spouse under the rules of survivorship. Under the current intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no rights to assets and property that were not jointly held (although the Law Commission has lately proposed to change this).
Making a will is also critical if you have kids, as you can appoint guardians to look after them.
It is essential to create a list of assets and debts and their approximate values. Include your properties, investments, savings, insurance policies and pension.
In addition, consider details of single bequests. Merely telling a beneficiary that an item will be his or hers one day could cause trouble later.
You should take professional advice on estate planning as part of writing your will. Easy steps could save the beneficiaries of wealthier homeowners thousands of £’s in taxation.
An essential factor of making a will is the naming of executors to ensure that your will wishes are executed.
You should also review your will every five years or so and whenever your situation are changed by a important life event, such as wedding, split up or a birth or death in the immediate family. Another example would be after a house purchase or move.
Whoever draws up your will, make sure at least 1 copy is kept safe or deposit one with a probate registry.
Consilium Asset Management Limited offer inheritance tax planning advice in Somerset