Wills

When you separate from your partner, it is a good idea for you to review your will, or if you have not already made a Will, to do so now. You may wish to provide for your children instead of your former partner.

If you decide to sever the tenancy of your property to ensure that your partner does not receive your share of the property upon your death, then you should also make a will to confirm who you would wish your property to pass to.

If you care about how your property is distributed on your death, you should make a will. In the absence of a will, the “rules of intestacy” stipulate who will inherit your property. This may mean that your property does not pass to whom you may want it to pass to. For example, your friends and favourite charity would not benefit, unless you made a will to provide that they do so. A will provides you with certainty and ensures that your property is divided amongst your family and friends in the way that you would so wish.

With careful planning, your will can also minimise your liability to pay Inheritance Tax.

In your will you can also appoint a guardian for your children. This will give you peace of mind in knowing that your children will be looked after by someone that you know and trust in the event of your death. The other parent could seek to challenge your wish, but it would be preferable for you to record your wish rather than not.

We can assist you to make a will and advise you on its contents to ensure it adequately reflects your wishes. We may also be able to offer alternative suggestions to you, which you may not have considered, that would be better for you and your family.

If you have already made a will, it is important that you review your will from time to time to take account of any major events that occur in your life. For example, if you marry, separate from your partner, have a child or move home, you should always consider updating your will or making a new one to reflect your changed situation. Often it is not necessary to make a new will as any minor changes can be dealt with by making a “codicil” to your existing will.

In both cases, whether it be to make a new will or to review your existing will, it is better to consult a solicitor.

In most cases, we will charge a standard fee for making your will.

If your will is more complex, we will be happy to provide you with an estimate as to the cost of making a new will.

If you require advice and assisting in relation to making a new will or reviewing your will, please contact either, Edward Smyth, Ray Wood or Ruth Taylor at our office.