Failing to make a Will could cause months of financial chaos and acrimonious legal battles if relatives can’t agree how assets should be split; yet it is a fact that 2 out of 3 eligible persons in the UK haven’t made a Will.

Without a valid Will, the surviving husband or wife may get far less than the deceased spouse would have wanted. For example, it is estimated that 54% of married couples believe that their partner would automatically inherit their estate, yet the reality is that without a Will, this is not necessarily the case.

The death of an unmarried partner may create serious financial problems for the survivor. Those who have not registered as civil partners will not automatically inherit assets from each other unless there is a Will.

If you die without leaving a Will, it is the State that dictates how your assets will be divided under the law of intestacy. If there are no surviving kin, the entire estate will go to the State.

It is important to keep your Will up to date after major life changes, such as getting your first job; marriage; separation; divorce; having a child; moving house - yet it is estimated that only 41% of us do; however it is so easy with our guidance. Our after care services can provide peace of mind for life.

20 Reasons Why You Should Make a Will

·    To appoint guardians for children and pass on parental responsibility.

·    To appoint trustees to act in the best interests on minor beneficiaries.

·    To protect your estate from fraud by requiring the need for probate if the estate is over £5,000.

·    To protect the inheritance of children, stepchildren and grandchildren.

·    To mitigate the effects of inheritance tax on an estate.

·    To protect your property (for most the major asset) from compulsory purchase for care fees so that your beneficiaries benefit.

·    To give executors the power to protect your estate with the ability to insure those assets.

·    To provide for the right of a partner or loved one to remain in the property and not have it sold.

·    To give power to trustees to advance money to minor beneficiaries.

·    To give power to trustees to invest estate assets on behalf of the intended beneficiaries.

·    To protect the inheritance for disabled beneficiaries.

·    To clarify and ensure that the intended beneficiary receives business and shareholding assets.

·    To make funeral requests known.

·    To provide a legacy to your favourite charity.

·    To make arrangements for your surviving pets.

·    To ensure unmarried and same-sex couples pass on their assets to their partner.

·    To ensure single people without children pass their assets to the beneficiaries of their choice.

·    To appoint executors to act for you, eliminating confusion, disputes and corruption.

·    To have your instructions stored safely, avoiding confusion and searching.

·    To provide peace of mind that your wishes have been formally expressed.

25% of us think we’re not rich enough to need a Will; but Wills aren’t just for the wealthy. You may not have heirloom diamonds, works of art or even large chunks of cash to bequeath, but if you own your home, for example, and share it with a partner or other relative, you’ll want to make sure that they can go on living there. A Will is the only way to do that.

If your estate is worth over £5,000, the next of kin has to apply to the probate courts before being allowed to access and deal with the money. This can increase distress at a difficult time. A valid Will makes the process quicker and easier.