1. Choice...
A will ensures that your property and assets will pass to people of your choosing, rather than to remote family members or, even worse, the government. Many people believe that if they do not make a Will then the estate will generally be distributed in a manner they would have chosen but, unfortunately, this is often not the case.< <> >
2. Peace of Mind...
Having a suitable Will in place gives you the knowledge that your affairs are in order and that you won't be leaving a mess behind for your loved ones to sort out.< <> >
3. Save Money...
A properly drafted Will is a crucial part of your overall estate planning or inheritance tax planning strategy and, in some cases, can help save thousands of pounds. If you do not have a Will, your relatives will often have to obtain an insurance policy (known as a Bond of Caution) to safeguard the beneficiaries of the estate, causing additional expense.< <> >
4. Ease the Burden...
Having a Will ensures that your estate can be dealt with much more quickly and efficiently, easing the burden on those left behind. The consequences of dying without a Will often falls hardest on those left behind to pick up the pieces.< <> >
5. Safeguard your Children...
It is possible for you to appoint a guardian in your Will to look after any young children.< <> >
6. Protect your Assets...
For most people, the family home is their most valuable asset and, as such, we would strongly recommend that you protect this asset by preparing a Will. An appropriately drafted Will can help protect your home from long-term care fees.< <> >
7. Appoint Executors...
Dealing with the administration of an estate can be a daunting, and difficult, task. Preparing a Will allows you to appoint Executors (whether family members or non-family members) who you feel will be able to deal with matters appropriately.< <> >
8. Avoid uncertainty...
The absence of a professionally drafted Will can often lead to difficulties and, in extreme circumstances, can mean that intended beneficiaries receive nothing. Many people believe that telling their family what they would like to happen is enough to sort out any confusion but, unfortunately, life is not that easy!< <> >
9. Leave a legacy...
Making a Will gives effect to any specific wishes that are important to you. For example, you may wish to leave a sum of money to a close friend or to charity or you may wish to leave a particular item to a specific person. Without a Will, any such wishes are likely to be ignored.< <> >
10. Modern Family Structures...
Unmarried couples have no automatic rights of inheritance. Instead, they are required to make a difficult and costly application to the Sheriff Court demonstrating why they should be entitled to claim a share of their loved one's estate. Similarly, children can often miss out on their inheritance if their parents remarry.< <
