It in writing

DTen Iood reasons to make a will

There are many reasons to make a will, including leaving possessions to friends and loved ones, making sure loved ones are properly provided for and leaving lasting gifts URING THE month of November, local solicitors give their time for free so that you can make your will while benefiting nine leading UK charities,

Having your will written professionally can offer you peace of mind and mean that your family will avoid any unnecessary legal difficulties on your death.

In November, instead of paying your solicitor’s fee, you will be invited to make a donation to charity. Some of the charities supported by Will Aid include SCIAF, NSPCC, Save the Children and Age UK.

With this in mind, not to mention the 10 reasons outlined below, there really is no better time to make a will! or legacies to a favourite charity. But a will is particularly necessary in the following circumstances, when the intestacy rules are likely to produce an outcome contrary to the deceased’s wishes:

Couples who are living together but are not legally married or in a civil partnership but who wish their partner to inherit some or all of their estate.

Couples who are legally married or in a civil partnership and have children and who wish the spouse/civil partner to inherit all of the estate.

Couples who are legally married or in a civil partnership and want to ensure their children receive a larger share of the estate than under the current rules.

People with no living relatives who wish to leave their estate to friends (the Crown may take an estate if a person dies leaving no will and no surviving relatives).

Those who are legally married or in a civil partnership and don’t wish their spouse/civil partner to inherit anything.

People who are legally married or are in a civil partnership and have children from a previous relationship and who wish to ensure that those children receive something from the estate.

People who wish to provide for dependent relatives e.g. children, elderly relatives or relatives with a disability who have special needs. When a will is drawn up, people should appoint guardians to look after any children and set up trusts to provide for dependants.

If you’re divorced or if your civil partnership has been dissolved, you can decide whether to leave anything to an ex-partner.

To make arrangements for tax planning where the estate is large and may be liable for inheritance tax.

To leave a lasting gift or legacy to a charity.

To find out more about the Will Aid scheme, visit www.willaid.org.uk