Last Will & Testament

- Caring for your loved ones future today

Why Do I Need A Will?

It is important for you to make a will whether or not you consider you have many possessions or much money. It is important to make a will because:

if you die without a will, there are certain rules which dictate how the money, property or possessions should be allocated. This may not be the way that you would have wished your money and possessions to be distributed
unmarried partners and partners who have not registered a civil partnership cannot inherit from each other unless there is a will, so the death of one partner may create serious financial problems for the remaining partner
if you have children, you will need to make a will so that arrangements for the children can be made if either one or both parents die
it may be possible to reduce the amount of tax payable on the inheritance if advice is taken in advance and a will is made
if your circumstances have changed, it is important that you make a will to ensure that your money and possessions are distributed according to your wishes. For example, if you have separated and your ex-partner now lives with someone else, you may want to change your will. If you are married or enter into a registered civil partnership, this will make any previous will you have made invalid.

Why appoint a guardian in a will?

A guardian is a person who will have the legal responsibility to look after your children if you die before they are 18 years old, and their other parent (who has parental responsibility) is also deceased or is unwilling or unable to discharge their parental responsibility.

Who you designate as a guardian is entirely up to you, but typically it will be a close friend or member of your family. Someone who already has a close bond with your children would be ideal.

In the event that you pass away, the courts will determine who will care for your children if you do not name a guardian. It is far preferable to make that selection on your own because there is no guarantee that this would be the person or persons you would have picked.