We all want to ensure that our property and wealth is passed on to our loved ones when the time comes. That’s why it is so important that you have a Will that is legally valid and up to date. If it’s been some time since you made your Will and you’re not sure if the document still accurately reflects your wishes, John Whyte’s professional Will Writing Service can help you review and update it.
If you haven’t made a Will yet, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, recent research has shown that as many as three in five UK adults – that’s 31 million people – have not made a Will, and two thirds of those are aged 65 or over. It’s a worrying statistic because your Last Will and Testament is your final opportunity to specify where you would like your property, financial and other assets to go after your death.
Not making a Will, or dying ‘intestate’, means it will be up to the law to determine who receives your assets, and the result could be that your estate may be left to someone you would not choose. As a professional Will Writer in Sussex, John Whyte can work with you and expertly draft your Will, ensuring that your final wishes are conveyed legally and clearly, for everyone’s peace of mind. We operate in Brighton, Eastbourne, Chichester, and all across East Sussex and West Sussex.
Why you should make a Will
Making a Will while you are physically and mentally fit and healthy is essential to protect your loved ones’ future when you are no longer around to look after them. Here are some of the main reasons for making a Will:
- Name your children’s legal guardian
- Ensure your children are provided for financially
- Make financial provision for your dependents, including step children
- Protect your unmarried partner
- Safeguard your family home
- Avoid the risk of family disputes
- Mitigate your inheritance tax exposure
- Specify who you would like to settle your affairs
- Decide who you would like to look after your pets
- Protect your digital assets
- Leave a legacy to a charity
What can happen if you don’t make a Will
Putting off writing a Will is perfectly understandable. After all, no-one wants to think about their own mortality. Sadly, leaving it until it’s too late can have serious consequences for those left behind and cause not only heartache but real hardship. Below are just some of the risks you will be taking by not having a Will in place when you pass away:
- Funeral – Your funeral and other arrangements such as choice of burial site or cremation may not be carried out.
- Partner – Your spouse or civil partner may not automatically inherit all of your estate, while cohabiting partners will receive nothing at all.
- Children – Your children (<18 years old) could go into the state care system and end up in a foster home.
- Family arguments – Tension may arise between your loved ones over who they think should get what.
- Unworthy heirs – Your entire estate could go to a relative who you don’t want inheriting anything from you.
- Tax – Inheritance Tax is payable at a flat rate of 40% on anything above £325,000 unless your Will contains mitigating measures.
- Debts – Your loved ones could end up inheriting your debts, causing financial hardship.
- Possessions – Your property, money and other assets could be disposed of or end up being sold by the government.
How John Whyte’s Professional Will Writing Service in Sussex can help
We provide an efficient, cost effective and exceptional Will Writing Service in Sussex to help you get your affairs in order and enjoy the rest of your days with the full peace of mind of knowing that your loved ones are protected.
- With expert knowledge and up-to-date knowledge of probate and inheritance law, we can advise on the best way to approach making your will, so that it is not only legally valid but minimises your inheritance tax exposure.
- As experienced financial advisers, we will talk to you about your assets and family circumstances and all the potential issues and what-if scenarios you need to consider when making a Will.
- We will write your Will in a language you can understand, while using the correct legal terminology when it matters. A professionally written Will will make sure your wishes are honoured and protect you from potential challenges.
- When you have a professionally written Will, you know that everything has been done property, so the process will be straightforward after you’ve gone and not cause any undue stress
Will Writing FAQs
- What information is needed in a will?
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Your last will and testament is a legal document that covers your personal possessions and assets including property, savings and investments, insurance and pension funds, and business interests, with clear instructions on who should receive them after your death. You can also include other final wishes, such as the type of funeral you want, or who should be the guardian of your children. A valid will must be made in writing by a person aged 18+ years, signed by the testator and witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries.
- Can I write my own will?
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While it is legally permitted to write your own will, you will still need to sign it and get it formally witnessed to make it legal. The difficulty with writing your will without expert assistance is the risk of making mistakes, especially if your estate and/or your family circumstances are complicated. If there are errors in your will, this may cause problems after your death and your wishes may not be carried out. We would always advise that you take expert advise from a legally qualified professional such as a solicitor or will writer to ensure everything is done properly, for everyone’s peace of mind.
Get in touch
If you are looking for trusted, professional advice for Will Writing in Sussex, or you simply want to have a confidential chat with an independent financial expert about how best to pass on your assets and protect your loved ones when you’ve gone, please get in touch with John Whyte.
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