If you have property, assets, and/or children, then writing a will becomes even more important than ever. You need a way to protect these things and grant yourself full control over what happens to your money, belongings and the people you love after you pass.
You will likely have questions about how the will writing process works and what to consider putting in the document. Learn about the importance of writing a will, what is involved and who to contact for assistance.
What is a will?
A will is a document that states who will get your assets after your death. It is a legally binding document that spells out who will receive your belongings and look after any minor children in your care. The upside is that changing your will is fairly easy and straightforward. It is recommended that you look over your will about every two or three years and during crucial moments in your life, such as buying property or getting married.
Reasons to write a will
There are many benefits to writing and updating your will that you should take into consideration, for instance, it is going to give you control of your estate, reduce the stress and strain on your next of kin and help your family avoid arguments. You will be able to decide who gets what and how much, you can also make your funeral requests clear, confirm the provision of your underage children, care for your pets and reduce your inheritance tax. It lays out a plan and answers questions that your family members may have once you are gone.
What happens if you die without a will?
The consequences of not having a will in place are that your estate will be divided based on set rules, or intestacy rules, rather than your wishes. The reality is that your estate may not go to who you wanted to or intended to have it in the end. There will be no guarantees in this case. A person who dies without leaving a will is called an intestate person. It is often the case that if you are married or in a civil partnership at the time of your death, they will inherit your estate. If this is not the case, it will be your children or your next surviving relative.
Should you use a solicitor?
The next question becomes if you should use a solicitor or not. It is usually advisable that you hire a solicitor to help you draw it up or at least look it over to ensure it covers everything and that it is what you want. Mistakes or errors in a will can cause problems in the event of your passing. There are also circumstances when you should certainly use a solicitor such as if there is a business involved or you share a property with someone who is not your spouse or civil partner.
Getting started
Are you looking for experienced Devon solicitors and trusted Wills, Trusts and Probate services? Then contact us today to learn more about will writing and how we can help and get all your questions answered. The dedicated and knowledgeable team at Curtis Whiteford Crocker Solicitors will always take the time to listen to your concerns, give clear and simple advice, and will produce appropriate legal documents that will protect you and your loved ones.