Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney.
Why is having a Will so important?
Having a Will is an essential part of financial and estate planning, and it is important for several reasons.
Control over asset distribution: A Will allows you to determine how your assets and property will be distributed after your death. Without a Will, the Laws of Intestacy will determine how your assets will be distributed, which may not align with your wishes. In extreme cases, if there are absolutely no other family members, your assets could go to the government after your death. Having a Will would avoid this.
Appoint guardians for minor children: If you have minor children, a Will allows you to appoint a guardian to take care of them in the event of your death. This ensures that your children will be taken care of by someone you trust and who shares your values.
Avoid family disputes: A Will can help prevent family disputes by clearly outlining your wishes and intentions. Without a Will, family members may argue over the distribution of assets, which can lead to costly and time-consuming legal battles. You might think that this would not happen to your family however we have seen this time and time again. A well drafted, thought-out Will can avoid any such disputes or disagreements.
Peace of mind: Creating a Will provides peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and your wishes will be carried out after your death. It can also reduce stress and uncertainty for your loved ones during an already difficult time.
In summary, having a Will is important because it allows you to control how your assets are distributed, appoint guardians for minor children, avoid family disputes and provide peace of mind.
How we can help you with your Will
Our Solicitors can assist you in drafting your Will, which is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. Here are the typical steps that your appointed solicitor will undertake when drafting your Will:
Consultation: Your solicitor will meet with you to discuss your wishes and to gather information about your assets and beneficiaries.
Drafting the Will: Based on your instructions, your solicitor will draft the Will, ensuring that it complies with all legal requirements.
Review: Your solicitor will review the Will with you, explaining its contents and ensuring that it accurately reflects your wishes.
Signing and witnessing: The Will must be signed and witnessed by two independent witnesses who are not beneficiaries under the Will.
Safekeeping: We can keep the original Will in safe custody in our fireproof Wills storage facility.
Updating the Will: If your circumstances change, you should update your Will to reflect these changes. Our solicitors can help you with this process.
Enduring Powers of Attorney
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legal document that allows someone to appoint another person or persons, known as the attorney(s), to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. This relates to decisions about their property and financial affairs.
Why is an EPA important?
An EPA is an important legal tool that can provide peace of mind to you knowing that your affairs will be managed by someone you trust and who will act in your best interests if you become incapacitated.
Our team has years of experience in creating EPAs for clients and can provide you with the necessary guidance and support.
Contact us today for all your Wills and EPA advice.
