Why it’s Important to Make a Will

Unfortunately, we can’t all leave our estate to be dealt with through a series of challenges and games for our loved ones to compete over, like in The Inheritance, which has recently been broadcast on UK television. In real life, sorting out someone’s estate is a serious legal process and without a valid Will, it can quickly become complicated and stressful for those left behind.

If you have any assets, possessions, or savings that you want to leave to specific people, writing a Will is essential. A Will allows you to clearly set out your wishes and ensure that the right people inherit what you want them to. It’s your opportunity to take control and decide how your estate should be managed after your death, rather than leaving that decision to the law.

One of the biggest advantages of having a Will is that you decide who should deal with your estate. These trusted individuals are known as Executors. They are responsible for carrying out the instructions in your Will, paying any outstanding debts, and ensuring your wishes are followed. Choosing Executors you know and trust gives you confidence that your estate will be handled fairly and efficiently.

You can also use your Will to leave specific gifts or amounts of money to certain people, charities, or organisations that mean something to you. Once these specific gifts have been distributed, the remainder of your estate, which is known as the residuary estate, can be left to whoever you choose. This could be one person, several beneficiaries, or shared between family and friends.

If you pass away without making a Will, your estate will be divided according to the rules of intestacy. These rules may not reflect your personal wishes, and it could result in relatives you’ve had little or no contact with benefiting from your estate, while others who were close to you may receive nothing.

At Hopkins Solicitors, our friendly and experienced Wills and Probate team can help you prepare a legally valid Will that reflects your wishes clearly. We’ll guide you through each step of the process, explaining everything in plain English, and ensuring your Will is completed correctly.

To arrange a consultation or to find out more about making a Will, please contact us today using the ‘Request a Callback’ function on the website.