MAKING A WILL

We should all think about writing a Will, particularly if we have children, dependants or partners.  Without a Will you cannot control who inherits your property – a surviving husband, wife or surviving civil partner may get far less than you would have wanted and if you are cohabiting with (living with) another person, on your death, that person may get nothing at all and lose their home.

By making a Will, you can determine precisely who will inherit your property and make specific gifts to friends, relatives, loved ones and charities.  You can also give clear instructions as to who should look after your children, should there be no surviving parents.  It can be a simple process, bringing peace of mind to you and to those you love.

Six reasons why people should make a Will

1. For the sake of your loved ones – if you die without a Will then not only do you not decide who inherits from you, but you leave your loved ones with a great deal of additional hassle, stress and costs in administering your estate.  Your assets will be frozen and your loved ones will need to apply to the Court to be appointed as executors and administer your estate.  The Court will need to wait for six months before all your assets can be released and in addition will require an expensive insurance policy to protect the assets.
2. You decide – if you die without a Will, the assets you have built up during your lifetime will be distributed according to the law rather than according to your choice.   If you are married, your surviving spouse or surviving civil partner may get much less than you would have wanted them to and they may have to negotiate with relatives and pay them thousand of pounds, just to stay in their own homes.   Ultimately your life savings may go to the taxman and the state.
3. If you are living with someone, then that person may get nothing.  They could lose their home.
4. If you are unmarried and have children, your children may be looked after by someone you yourself may not have chosen.   At a time of great trauma, your children may become the subject of internal family struggles which can seriously disrupt family relationships.  
5. By making a Will you can give specific gifts to friends, relatives, loved ones and charities.   
6. A Will can be a useful tool in protecting against your assets being taken to pay for the costs of long term care.

At RGM we provide a professional and personal service, discussing and advising on all the issues and writing a Will which suits your particular circumstances.   If you are interested in making a Will please contact one of our offices for an appointment with one of our Solicitors.

RGM Grangemouth 01324 482197 ask for Gordon Marshall or Harvey Waddell
RGM Linlithgow 01506 847070