Many families face uncertainty, delay and difficult decisions because proper estate planning has not been put in place.
Despite being one of the simplest ways to protect your family and ensure your wishes are carried out, Will Aid’s national poll found that 67% of people in the UK either do not have a Will or admit that their existing Will is out of date.
Edward Pattinson is a Solicitor in the Wills, Trusts and Estates Team at Sintons. He outlines the consequences of what can happen when a person doesn’t have a Will: “If someone dies without a Will, the law decides who administers their estate and who inherits their estate through the intestacy rules. Many people are surprised to learn that those rules don’t always reflect modern family life. For example, unmarried partners have no automatic right to inherit, regardless of how long they’ve been together.”
As Edward points out, a Will can avoid unnecessary delays and stress: “A Will gives you control over what happens to your assets after your death. It allows you to choose who inherits, who will administer your estate and, if you have young children, who you would like to care for them. Without a Will, there can be uncertainty, delays and, in some cases, disputes among family members at an already difficult time.”
Make your wishes clear
The research from Will Aid also found that it’s often assumed that only those with large estates need a Will. Edward explains why this is incorrect: “One of the biggest misconceptions is that Wills are only needed by wealthy people. In reality, anyone who owns property, has savings, has children or simply wants a say in who inherits their assets should consider making a Will. It’s not necessarily about the value of your estate. It’s about making your wishes clear and making things easier for the people you leave behind.”
If you are considering making a Will, or perhaps amending an existing one, Sintons’ dedicated Wills, Trusts and Estates Team are excellently placed to help.
Edward notes, “At Sintons, we know that every individual and family is different. We take the time to understand our clients’ personal circumstances and provide advice that’s tailored to their needs, whether they’re looking for a straightforward Will or more comprehensive estate planning advice.”
He adds, “Our specialist Wills, Trusts and Estates Team has extensive experience in helping clients protect their assets and provide for their loved ones. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible, while ensuring that clients receive expert legal advice and leave with the confidence that their wishes will be properly reflected in a legally valid Will.”
For further advice or to speak to a member of the Wills, Trusts and Estates Team, click here.
