A will is a legal document that sets out your wishes for what happens to your assets, such as property, money, and possessions, after you pass away. It's an essential tool for anyone who wants to ensure their loved ones are financially protected and that their assets are distributed according to their wishes.

60% of Britons haven’t made a will

The importance of having a will cannot be overstated. Without one, your assets will be divided according to the laws of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes. This can cause unnecessary stress and conflict for your loved ones during an already difficult time.

Why should you make a will?

• if you die without a will, there are certain rules which dictate how the money, property or possessions should be allocated. This may not be the way that you would have wished your money and possessions to be distributed
• unmarried partners and partners who have not registered a civil partnership cannot inherit from each other unless there is a will, so the death of one partner may create serious financial problems for the remaining partner
• if you have children, you will need to make a will so that arrangements for the children can be made if either one or both parents die
• it may be possible to reduce the amount of tax payable on the inheritance if advice is taken in advance and a will is made

Do you have to make a will with a solicitor?

You don't necessarily have to make a will with a solicitor, as it is possible to create a will without legal assistance. However, it is generally recommended to seek the advice of a solicitor or other qualified professional to ensure that your will is valid and legally binding. 

This can help to prevent any disputes or complications arising after your death and can give you peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out as intended.

One of the main benefits of having a solicitor assist in the creation of a will is that they can help ensure that your wishes are properly documented and legally binding. They will also be able to advise you on any potential issues or complications that may arise and help you navigate the legal process.

A solicitor can also provide valuable guidance on how to minimise the amount of inheritance tax that your beneficiaries will have to pay. This can be especially important if you have a large estate or complex financial arrangements.

Ask for advice about writing a will with Parfitt-Cresswell

Our trusted legal partner Parfitt-Cresswell provides a complimentary initial consultation. 

It won’t cost you anything except a little time to speak to one of their friendly, experienced Later Living legal experts.