Do You Own A Valid Will?

WHY IS IT THAT OVER HALF THE ADULT POPULATION DOESN'T HAVE A VALID WILL? Do people fear addressing the fact that we will all die one day? Do we simply put it to the bottom of our to do list? Do we forget to update Wills after marriage? Of the 50 million adults living in the UK, almost 28 million (56%) DO NOT HAVE A WILL. and without a Will, the law decides how your estate is distributed WITHOUT REGARD FOR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS OR YOUR WISHES. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT Your estate can represent the (largest cheque' you'll ever write during your lifetime, greater than cheques for a new house, car or investment You seek expert advice when buying a car, new house or investment plan so why not seek expert advice when considering your Will? The Will reflects your personal wishes that may otherwise not be considered WHY MAKE A WILL? 3. PROTECT YOUR ASSETS You have spent your whole life building your estate; you should ensure it passes to those beneficiaries you want it to pass to rather than by the rules of intestacy which may be to family you may not wish to benefit. Only around 53% of couples who are married or in a civil partnership have a Will. CONTROL You have the ability to choose an Executor who will administer your estate: you can appoint a person or persons you trust. PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN You have the ability to designate guardians for your minor children rather than allow Social Services to decide who will care for them. Only around 30% of adults with dependent children have a Will DIGITAL LEGACY Protect your online legacy - accounts such as PayPal, online banking, gaming/gambling accounts as well as social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter. TAX & CARE FEES By the effective use of Succession Planning, you may be able to mitigate Inheritance Tax payable on your estate. Again, by the effective use of Succession Planning, you may be able to protect your estate from future care home fees. YOUR WILL IS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR YOUR LOVED ONES It can ease the difficult job of sorting your financial affairs after your death It can ensure your assets are left to the people you want to It can protect your family by appointing guardians for your children It can save you and your family tax It will give you peace of mind, a very valuable commodity Whitehead Monckton the Kent law firm www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk [email protected] CANTERBURY OFFICE: 01227 643250 MAIDSTONE OFFICE: 01622 698000 TENTERDEN OFFICE: 01580 765722 SOURCES: www.willaid.org.uk/press/research