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Wills – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How to write a will? How long will the writing process take?

Will writing doesn’t have to be a long process in any way. Following the initial appointment Initial draft Wills usually get sent to clients within 10 working days. Naturally, more complicated Wills require more time to draft however, when the client is satisfied with the draft Will an appointment can be scheduled to allow to have the Will to be witnessed and signed by the client.

Q. Is there anything I should not be able to

The primary reason for Wills is to divide your assets according to your desires. It is not recommended not to mention reasons why you want divisions or a lengthy list of personal belongings in your Will. It is crucial to keep in mind that the Will could be public upon your the death of a person and that their personal possessions can change in the course of time. We encourage all of our clients to include specifics about their personal possessions and any other non-binding questions in a letter of wishes to be kept within the Will. The Will is kept confidential for your Executors.

Q. Does my Executor have to be involved in the Will writing procedure?

Your Will is your private document. Some people prefer to inform their Executors they have been appointed and may provide them with information , such as the bank they bank with and their funeral wishes. Some prefer to include the information in a note that is included in their Will.

Q. What is the consequence If my Will is no longer valid in certain areas? E.g. guardianship of children who have grown into adults.

A guardianship arrangement that relates to children of a certain age should not impact the legality of a Will however, it is recommended to review any Will you make with an lawyer. We recommend to our clients to conduct an exhaustive examination of their Will every five years or following any life-changing event such as the passing of a loved ones or the breakup of a relationship. It is important to remember that the validity of a Will is invalidated when a marriage takes place. If you’re worried you’re Will is not up to date or needs to be amended It is recommended to consult a lawyer.

Q. Why should I get a solicitor to draft my Will instead of completing the will myself?

A lot of DIY Wills do not contain all the powers and provisions Executors have to be able to manage an estate in a timely manner. It can put your Executors in a very challenging situation. Legal professionals have been through specialized education on the most current legislation and interpretations for Wills to ensure that the wishes of the client are properly reflected within their will. A lot of clients benefit from specific trust and tax planning advice from solicitors who will help safeguard assets for years to in the future.

Q. If someone has no living relatives or is separated from their family What are the most important factors to be considered when making a will?

In your Will, you do not have to only benefit your family members. You may choose to leave your money to friends, charity , and there are instances of people leaving funds to their neighborhood Chinese takeaway. It is essential to consider who want to benefit from your estate, people who might have assisted you through time, or charitable organizations that you have a strong relationship with or appreciate their work.

Q. Who is able to be appointed the Executor for the Will in case there are no relatives to nominate?

You can choose to name executors from your friends if you don’t have relatives who are suitable. You can also select a solicitors firm or the Partners of the company at the time that you pass away. You can be ensure you will have your property properly handled when you die.

Q. How can a solicitor assist those who do not have a family members to plan their future care?

A lot of solicitors are knowledgeable about the field of elderly care. They they are not just able to give advice on the contents of your will but can also provide advice on your long-term care wishes even if not there yet. Solicitors are able to provide the required guidance but should also be in contact with IFAs as well as care providers befrienders, social workers and local authorities to gather all relevant details and provide advice that is tailored to your needs.

Q. What exactly is the Inheritance Act Clause ? And what is its purpose?

A Inheritance Act clause is a clause that says that the rights of beneficiaries to your estate is contingent upon them not making an estate claim. This clause is included to ensure that the beneficiary thinks about whether they are making a an adequate financial provision hasn’t been made and filing claims pursuant to the Inheritance (Provisions for Family and Dependents) Act 1975, because they could be putting at risk their rights to the estate under the will. However, it is not able to stop claims being made, and certain beneficiaries might be willing to accept that risk.

Q. Which advice do you offer an individual who’s separated from their family or doesn’t have any in the matter of making will?

One of the steps in making an estate plan is taking into consideration the claims that family members who are not close to you could have against your estate in accordance with the Inheritance (Provisions for Family and Dependents) Act 1975. Certain kinds of individuals (e.g. children, ex-spouses) can make claims against your estate, if they don’t believe they’ve received a reasonable financial assistance. When you make a will, you must consider the reason to exclude. The solicitor could record these reasons within contemporaneous notes that will be used as evidence if they ever make an claim. You may also include an enclosed letter along in your will stating the reasons. The court will consider this evidence into consideration if an argument is brought.

Q. What does getting married or joining an civil partnership impact your will?

The marriage or civil partnership will invalidate (cancel) your current Will unless you’ve included the contemplation of marriage clause. As a result, as part of your preparations for marriage or civil partnership, you need to create an entirely new Will in order to determine who inherits the estate of your death.

Q. What are the rules of intestacy and what is their purpose? function?

If someone dies and does not leave a valid Will, the estate will be distributed in accordance to the laws of intestacy. The rules stipulate that specific relatives will be the beneficiaries of your estate upon your death in an order that is specific to you. Intestacy rules are not suitable for the majority people and , therefore, it is crucial to create a Will in order to make sure you’re wishes as well as wishes are considered upon your death.

Q. What is it that you mean when you create a will “in the contemplation of marriage in contemplation of marriage

The exception is to the general rule that your Will can be automatically revoked after marriage or civil partnership. Incorporating a contemplation of marriage clause can ensure that your Will is valid prior to and after the marriage ceremony to one particular person.

Q. How can solicitors assist couples make wills?

Solicitors can help to determine what kind of Will will be the best for you and your partner in light of your unique circumstances , and then draft specific Wills for every one of you. Solicitors can also assist to discover important aspects that you might not have considered before and assist in ensuring that the plans for succession are consistent with your desires and values.