Are you one of the 66% without a Will?

Posted: 10 October 2024

66% of adults in the East of England do not have a valid Will – are YOU one of them?

Recent data released by Willaid UK shows that 66% of adults in the East of England do not have valid Will.

A last Will and testament is the only legal document which allows you to protect your family and loved ones. It sets out who you wish to inherit and how your assets should be treated when you die.

Are you one of the 66% that don’t?

If so, here are 5 reasons why you should consider making a Will and how THB Solicitors can help: –

1. A Will allows you to decide who oversees the administration of your estate. This person or persons are known as Executors.

 The role of an Executor is to collect in the assets of your estate, settle your liabilities (including any tax) and pay the balance out to your chosen beneficiaries.

If you have minor beneficiaries or if you set up a Will Trust, you can also appoint Trustees to manage the trust assets.

 2. A Will allows you to choose who inherits your assets (and who doesn’t!)

You can decide who receives your family heirlooms, who receives cash gifts and who receives the balance of your estate (known as the Residue).

In the case of children or vulnerable beneficiaries you can also decide an appropriate time for those assets to be passed down.

Without a Will your estate will be gifted in accordance with the strict rules of intestacy which may not reflect your own wishes or family circumstances.

3. A Will allows you to protect your unmarried partner to ensure that they receive their fair share of your estate.

 Unmarried partners and stepchildren do not have the same automatic rights as married partners and biological children do. They are not recognised by the rules of intestacy as being an entitled beneficiary.

 4. A Will allows you to nominate a legal guardian for your minor children.

 A Guardian would be responsible for raising your minor children until they reach the age of 18 years. If no Guardian is named, then the State will choose one for you. This process can be a lengthy and distressing process for all involved.

5. A Will allows you to plan for Inheritance Tax and care fees by utilising strategies to reduce or even remove your liability.

At THB Solicitors we aim to make the process of making a Will as easy as possible.

Free Consultation

We offer an initial free consultation to discuss your wishes, with one of our qualified, experienced Solicitors. Instructions can be taken by email, telephone, or face to face appointment in our offices.

Draft for review

Once instructions have been taken, we will send you a draft Will to read at home. Once you are happy with the contents, a second meeting is held to sign the Will.

Free home visits

We also offer free home visits (within 5 miles of our office location) and free lifetime storage together with the opportunity to register the existence (but not the contents) of your Will with the National Will Register.

For more information or to make your appointment please contact our Wills team today on 01702 298282 or 01245 493959 or send an email.