Thinking ahead...
'Can't Take It with You' is a series of 6 programmes in which leading business guru Sir Gerry Robinson examines the issues people face and Sue Medder, series legal consultant and partner at Withers, guides families through the process of making a will.
70% of people in the UK do not have a legally binding will - Why not?
- People don't want to face their own mortality
- As a culture, discussing money and death are taboo subjects
- The avoidance of complex and sometimes emotional decision making
Why should you make a will?
If you die without making a will, English intestacy rules come into play. These are very unlikely to reflect your wishes, and may easily give rise to a significant and quite unnecessary tax bill.
Modern day living has given rise to complex family relationships, for example an increase in the number of cohabiting couples and second marriages. There is no such status as a common law husband/wife - in the case of a cohabiting couple, when one partner dies the other is not entitled to any of the estate under English intestacy rules.
Although unlikely, the event of both parents dying is a possibility. A guardian will be appointed in the will and parents are secure in the knowledge that the best person has been selected and approached to raise and care for their children.
It is important to have these discussions as a family, in order to prevent further upset, angst and in some cases court room action following the death of a loved one.
To speak to one of our team contact us now on +44 (0)20 7597 6649
Thinking ahead
Our specialist team offer a will and estate plan for you and your family, from £1,500. For further information, download our Wills brochure below or click here to complete our questionnaire.
