What is a last Will and Testament?
Your last Will and testament is a legal document that allows any assets that you have prior to death to be distributed how you would have wished on your passing. This may include you money, property, or stocks/shares.
Sometimes writing a Will is quite straightforward. But at other times, it can be quite a complicated process.
Whether it will be easy or difficult will depend on your particular circumstances, your relationships with close family members and whether you had specific beneficiaries in mind for certain items.
Our team at Burys Solicitors are everyday people with experience of dealing with loss. We have the legal knowledge and experience to enable us to provide a compassionate, caring and considerate service.
Why make a will?
- Ensures your loved ones are not only provided for financially but it can also make the administration of your estate (everything you owned) easier than if you died without a will (intestate)
- If there is less to organise after your death your loved ones are able to prioritise the most important element, their own grief and healing.
- Offers you peace of mind – it is not a pleasant prospect dealing with the eventuality of your death but preparation is key to offering you peace of mind
- Protects living partners / your spouse – those who are living with a partner but not married may face hardship if you pass away intestate. It is a common misconception that if you are married everything passes to your spouse easily this is incorrect without a will you may face difficulties with banks and building societies asking for “probate” documentation
- Reduces complex tasks – financial affairs and probate procedures can be complex and time consuming. Having a valid Will gives some certainty to your estate and your family who are left grieving.
Don’t worry- your Will can be changed at any time, as your life circumstances will also change over time; and it’s probably not as costly as you first thought.
Do I Need A Will?
It is our professional recommendation for every adult to prepare a will, to avoid any difficulties or disputes in the future.
There are a number of benefits to preparing a will. It ensures that your assets and belongings pass to a beneficiary of your choice, whether that be a family member, partner or friend. It can also alleviate stress for your family members, as your intentions are clearly set out for them to follow.
How Long Will It Take?
The first step would be to arrange a meeting with one of our solicitors, which can take place at either of our Liverpool and Clitheroe office or via video call. Once you have met your solicitor, we aim to provide a draft copy of your will within 7 days. Any changes to this timeframe would be discussed during your meeting, for example due to your solicitor being on leave or if your will is more complex than standard.
We will always aim to progress your case as quickly as possible.
Your Questions Answers
Your last Will and testament is a legal document that allows any assets that you have prior to death to be distributed how you would have wished on your passing. This may include you money, property, or stocks/shares.
Sometimes writing a Will is quite straightforward. But at other times, it can be quite a complicated process.
Whether it will be easy or difficult will depend on your particular circumstances, your relationships with close family members and whether you had specific beneficiaries in mind for certain items.
If you do not have a Will, then you will have died ‘ intestate’. This means that the law sets out who benefits from your assets.
- If you are unmarried then your children will automatically inherit your estate.
- On the contrary, if you are unmarried and have no children, then your parents will inherit your estate.
- If your parents have deceased, then your siblings will inherit.
This situation does not allow unmarried partners to inherit nor the opportunity to gift to charities.
It also does not allow for any difficult relationship situations to be considered; it may be there is someone you did NOT want to benefit from your estate.
Yes, our team can help you amend, update or even completely cancel a will at any time, provided you have the mental capacity to do so.
It is really important that you seek advice and guidance to ensure you do not void your Will.
We store all Wills free of charge.
Some law firms may have a cheaper legal fee but then charge a fee for storage.
It is really important that your Will is saved securely because in the absence of a Will, the law presumes that the person whose Will it is has destroyed the will with the intention of revoking it.
We have always provided home visits as we feel that when discussing sensitive issues such as death alongside talking about relationships with people that you may or may not wish to inherit can be very emotional.
Not only that, but people also often decide to create a Will at significant times in their lives.
Some of these are positive and joyous occasions such as marriages and births of children.
On the flipside it can also be because of a medical diagnosis, or the death of a loved one that has prompted them to get their own affairs in order.
Therefore, whether because someone may be elderly or diagnosed with a medical condition or suffered a loss, it is important that the person with the appointment feels at ease and comfortable.
To arrange a face-to-face Will writing visit, call our team on 01200 405 026. Alternatively, submit your contact details using our contact form at the bottom of this page and we’ll be in touch shortly.
