Why Do I Need a Will?
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Don t leave your beneficiaries with extra heartache and hassle.
People who pass away without a valid will, or intestate, leave costs and worry to their loved ones 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, regardless of their years. It is especially important if you are not married to your partner, because the law does not accord partners the same rights automatically of inheritance as spouses.
Assets which are jointly owned by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still go to automatically to the surviving partner under the rules of survivorship. Under the current intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no rights to assets and property that were not jointly owned (although the Law Commission has of late proposed to change this).
Establishing a will is also vital if you have kids, as you can nominate guardians to care for them.
It is critical to create a list of investments, property and debts and their approximate worth. Include your house, investments, savings, insurance policies and pension.
In addition, consider making personal legacies. Merely informing a relative that an item will be his or hers one day could cause upset later.
You should take professional advice on estate planning as part of writing your will. Easy steps could save the beneficiaries of richer householders thousands of pounds in taxation.
A key factor of preparing a will is the appointment of executors to make sure that your will wishes are carried out.
You should also update your will every few years or so and whenever your situation are altered by a significant life event, such as marriage, split up or a birth or death in the immediate family. Another instance would be after a house buy or move.
Whoever draws up your will, make sure one copy is kept safe or deposit 1 with a probate registry.
Consilium Asset Management Limited supply inheritance tax planning advice in South Gloucestershire


