Should I Make a Will?
Don t leave your beneficiaries with extra heartache and complications.
Individuals who pass away without an up to date will, or intestate, result in costs and worry to their family and often gift lots of money to the Country in what may be avoidable Inheritance Tax (IHT).
The Law Society says that anyone with assets and family or friends should make a will, irrespective of their age. It is particularly important if you are not married to your partner, because the law does not accord partners the same rights automatically of inheritance as spouses.
Property that is jointly owned by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still pass automatically to the existing spouse under the rules of survivorship. Under the current intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no rights to property or assets that were not jointly owned (although the Law Commission has lately proposed to change this).
Constructing a will is also essential if you have minors, as you can nominate guardians to care for them.
It is vital to make a list of assets and liabilities and their approximate values. Include your properties, investment, nest egg, insurance policies and pension.
In addition, think about single bequests. Just telling a family member that an item will be his or hers one day could cause trouble later.
You should receive professional advice on estate planning as part of writing your will. Easy steps could save the beneficiaries of more prosperous householders thousands of pounds in tax.
An important factor of forming a will is the appointment of executors to make sure that your will wishes are carried out correctly.
You should also update your will every or so and whenever your situation are altered by a important life event, such as marriage, split up or a birth or death in the close family. Another example would be after a house purchase or move.
Whoever prepares up your will, make sure 1 copy is kept safe or deposit 1 with a probate registry.
Consilium supply inheritance tax planning advice in Wiltshire
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