How Do I Make a Will?
February 27th, 2010
Don t leave your loved ones with extra expenses and complications.
Individuals who die without an up to date will, or intestate, result in complications and costs to their family and often gift thousands of pounds to the Nation in what may be avoidable Inheritance Tax (IHT).
The Law Society says that anyone with assets and family or friends should make a will, irrespective of their age. It is particularly important if you are not married to your partner, because the law does not give partners the same automatic rights of inheritance as spouses.
Assets which are owned jointly by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still go to automatically to the surviving partner under the rules of survivorship. Under the current intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no rights to any assets that were not jointly owned (although the Law Commission has lately suggested to change this).
Preparing a will is also essential if you have minors, as you can appoint guardians to care for them.
It is critical to create a list of assets and liabilities and their approximate worth. Include your house, investment, savings, insurance policies and pension.
In addition, consider details of single legacies. Simply telling a relative that an item will be his or hers one day could cause upset later.
You should obtain professional advice on estate planning as part of writing your will. Easy steps could save the beneficiaries of richer householders thousands of pounds in tax.
An essential element of preparing a will is the naming of executors to make sure that your will wishes are carried out.
You should also update your will every few years or so and whenever your situation are altered by a significant life event, such as marriage, split up or a birth or death in the immediate family. Another example would be after a house buy or move.
Whoever makes up your will, make sure one copy is kept secure or deposit 1 with a probate registry.
Consilium Asset Management LTD supply inheritance tax planning advice in Somerset
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