“I just haven’t got round to it yet”
“I’m sure my family will just do what they know I want’
“I’ve told my partner what I want to happen”
“I don’t have anybody to leave it to”
“I know it will automatically go to my children anyway”
“I really don’t want to think about it”
Does this sound like you? Then YES quite simply you do need a Will.
A recent study published by Macmillan Cancer Support in January 2018 shows this is exactly what the U.K’s attitude towards making a Will is. Their new research suggests that a staggering 2 in 3 UK residents (63%) have not made a Will therefore leaving their estate to the laws of intestacy. More so, this figure includes 42% of people over the age of 55.
What happens if I don’t make a Will
Without a valid Will, you are effectively leaving your wishes for your estate to be decided by the law. You may be surprised at exactly who would benefit from your estate under the intestacy laws if you do not make your wishes known in the form of a valid Will.
When somebody passes away without a Will then they are known as dying intestate and then the law dictates who your estate will go to and this could end up being the opposite of what you wished to happen. Find out more at our what is intestacy page.
At Cribbin & Co Solicitors we have seen many cases where friends and families have been devastated by the absence of a valid Will when a loved one has passed away and they automatically assume the affairs were in order and their wishes would be carried out regardless. This is of course, so commonly, not the case.
Having seen many of what not to do and how by ‘not getting around to doing it’ meaning your wishes may not be carried out in the way you had hoped, we always urge people to think about their wishes and make a Will while they still are able to do so.
We know this isn’t the easiest of things to talk about and it can be a daunting thought, but at Cribbin & Co Solicitors we are here for you and we understand just how difficult talking about your wishes may be, that’s why we make it so simple and personal to you.
If you would like to discuss making or amending your Will, or you would just like a quick chat about how we can help you, then call us now on 01925 759 255 or send us a message here.