Andrew Jack offers important information for anyone about to write their will and explains why it is important to seek legal advice before doing so.
Wills and probate are two subjects that nobody really enjoys thinking about, whatever their age. It’s very likely something that you have not contemplated up until now. However, it is important to safeguard the future of your possessions and ensure that your wishes are carried out accordingly when the time comes.
With the growth of the internet, there are now more ways than ever before to write your own will online. However, we would always encourage people to seek the relevant legal advice before they embark on something as important as writing their legal will. You want to ensure everything is carried out correctly and that you understand each of the process.
Here are a few things you need to know before making your will:
Think About the Things You Solely Own
You needn’t concern yourself with anything that you jointly own with your partner, as this will naturally be transferred to them anyway. Instead, you should focus on anything big that you solely own, such as a car or personal bank account. You may want to consider smaller things that may carry sentimental value as well.
Think Carefully About Guardians and Executors
A guardian is someone who will take care of your children if anything was to happen to you. This is especially important if you have children under the age of 18. Without the presence of a nominated guardian, the court could decide to hand custody to someone else. This may feel like a rather big decision to make but it’s one that is best made by you. You will ultimately know what’s best for your kids in the long run.
Another big decision to make is who will be the person to carry out the acts detailed in your will; in other words, the executor. This person will ensure everything is distributed as per your instructions, whilst also tying up any loose ends; be they financial or practical.
Wills can be Changed
When making out your will, it’s important to remember that it may have to be changed and updated throughout your life. If your personal circumstances change, you acquire new possessions, sell old ones, or new people enter your life; these will probably all impact the initial will you have made. In some instances, it may be easier to create a completely different will rather than adjust the current one.
Keeping Your Will Safe
Once completed, you will need to ensure that your will is kept in a safe and easily accessible place. A safety deposit box in a bank vault is safe but it’s not practical should you need to make changes. A small safe at home may be a better option so that other family members know where to find it and you can easily gain entry to it if need be.
At AMD Solicitors, we understand that offering Wills advice at this time requires a delicate and well-judged approach. We will be able to guide you through everything you need to do, as well as informing you of all your options along the way. With our advice, you’ll have peace of mind that everything is taken care of and know that your final wishes are legally binding.
Get in Touch for More Information
If you would like any more information surrounding the writing of your will then feel free to drop into one of our Bristol offices for a chat with our legal Probate team. Alternatively you can contact Andrew Jack on 0117 9621205 or by emailing probate@amdsolicitors.com.
