There are many reasons why people should have a Will in place. Naturally, there are just as many explanations that people give as to why they haven’t gotten round to making one. Partially because of a lack of clear information, there’s little prompt for people to review their Will when something in their life changes, whether financially or personally, in light of changes to their financial or personal circumstance, and even less prompt for people to prepare a Will in the first place.

Wirral Globe: Chris Stone, Solicitor in Jackson Lees’ Wills, Trusts and Probate teamChris Stone, Solicitor in Jackson Lees’ Wills, Trusts and Probate team

Reflecting on the potential consequences of not having an up to date Will in place, Chris Stone, Solicitor in Jackson Lees’ Wills, Trusts and Probate team, discusses where you stand if you haven’t got a Will in place.

Many people wrongly assume what would happen to their estate if they were to die without having a Will in place. Whether it’s a matter of assuming that close family will automatically be the ones to inherit, even without a Will, or not using a trust to care for beneficiaries after your passing, certain assumptions can impact your future and that of your loved ones.

The truth is that if you die without a valid Will then the intestacy rules will apply which state how your estate must be shared on your death. The intestacy rules don’t always suit your individual circumstances especially in times where different and more complex family structures exist. Having a Will in place ensures that your estate passes where you intend and gives you an element of control and certainty.

Your Will can appoint executors to administer your estate. In its most simple terms, the role of the executor/s is to gather in your assets, pay your liabilities and distribute your estate in accordance with the terms of your Will. If you do not have a valid Will then the people entitled to administer your estate will be determined by the intestacy rules and this may not always be the most appropriate person.

Your Will can also include gifts of specific items or charitable gifts which otherwise wouldn’t be made if you didn’t have a valid Will in place. Having a Will can also allow you to include appropriate provision to care for beneficiaries by including a trust and ensuring that their entitlement is looked after in circumstances where it might not be appropriate to leave them a gift or a share of your estate outright. Alternatively, you may wish to strike a balance between providing for your spouse or civil partner but ultimately ensuring that your estate passes to your children and an appropriate trust in your Will could do this.

Whatever your situation, our dedicated Wills and Probate team can give you an initial consultation to establish your circumstances and find the right solution for you so that you know where you stand.

If you would like to talk to one of our empathetic specialist advisers, you can call us free on 0808 302 3464 (also free to call from mobiles) or email enquiry@jacksonlees.co.uk. Alternatively, visit our website www.jacksonlees.co.uk

A Flexible Service

At Jackson Lees we understand that one of the most important things that we can do is plan our own futures to ensure that we protect the futures of those we love after we are gone. We will provide you with expert, professional and sensitive legal advice, helping you deal with a wide range of matters including; writing your Will, dealing with Probate, Inheritance Tax Planning, setting up Trusts and their administration, and making a Lasting Power of Attorney.

What Jackson Lees can do for you…

  • We offer free half-hour appointments for anyone who wishes to find out more about our services
  • Three local offices to choose from:
    • Hoylake 0151 909 3204,
    • Heswall 0151 909 3201,
    • Liverpool 0151 909 3147
  • We also offer assistance if you are in a dispute regarding inheritance
  • We offer free safe storage of any Will
  • We can register your Will on Certainty’s national Wills database

Let Jackson Lees make things a little easier for you and your family. Contact our Wills, Trusts & Probate team to book an appointment or to chat through your requirements. Call us free from either a mobile or landline on 0808 302 3464.