Whilst death is something none of us want to think about, there are several consequences which can arise if you fail to plan ahead.
One of the key ways to do this is by writing a will.
A will is a legal document which outlines how a person’s estate (their money, personal possessions, investments, vehicles and property) is shared out after their death.
It will even cover things like your funeral wishes, from where you want the service to take place to what songs you want played.
If you die without leaving a valid will, it is called dying intestate.
When this happens, the law will take over and decide what will happen with the estate.
The way the law decides is known as the rules of intestacy, and the whole estate will be distributed according to these rules, regardless of how the deceased person would have wished their property and possessions to be shared out.
This means that if you pass away without writing a valid will, your property and possessions may end up going to people you did not want them to.
It may also cause upset and arguments amongst family members who expected to receive certain things after your passing.
In contrast, by having a will, you can decide exactly who inherits what, provide for friends, charities and others, decide how your personal possessions are distributed, and name guardians for your children if you pass away before they turn 18.
Drafting a will to inform others of your wishes may appear straightforward on the surface, but there are strict guidelines to follow to ensure it is legally valid in the eyes of the law.
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Because of this, you should instruct a solicitor to guide you through the will-writing process, to ensure it is upheld after your death.
Legal professionals, such as solicitors, are strictly regulated.
This means that they must act in your best interests and that your instructions on death are strictly followed.