14 FEATURE
5 I
reasons to think
about your WILL now
WILLS, ESTATES, INHERITANCE PLANNING. THEY’RE NOT SUBJECTS WE LIKE TO THINK ABOUT, YET WE KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO PLAN AHEAD.
f you’re putting off planning your will, or perhaps you even have one, but aren’t sure if it’s up to date, here are five reasons you should pop it on your to-do list now.
1. You will know your children are protected All parents hope they will live to see their children grow to adulthood and, of course, this is the usual run of things. But, unfortunately, the unexpected can happen and it is in everyone’s best interests to plan for any eventuality. If something were to happen to you and/or your partner, you want to be secure in the knowledge that your children would be protected. Making a will means you can specify who you want to take
care of your children by appointing guardians for them. You can then leave the guardians directions about, for example, where your children should live and how they should be cared for in the event of your premature death. Although it is just a safety net, it could help ease unnecessary conflict at an already difficult time for your family.
2. If you die without a will, things can get complicated for your family
As well as the issue of who will look after your children, your will specifies how you want your assets to be divided. Many people aren’t aware of the consequences of dying without leaving a will. It can make life unnecessarily messy for those you leave behind. If you don’t take the time to put your choices in writing, the law decides who receives your assets. This might not be the people you want, and it can also mean delays, worry and additional expense for your family.
3. It can be a quick and easy process If you’re putting off sorting your legal affairs because you think it’s a long and painful process, you needn’t worry. Your solicitor can guide you through the process and let you know all the information that is required. At Gibson Kerr, we find it usually takes a few weeks from when we first meet you to you having your will signed. But we can prepare a will very quickly and can even have a will prepared and signed the same day if needed.
4. It doesn't cost a fortune
People often assume that making a will is an expensive business. The cost of a will varies from firm to firm, and at Gibson Kerr we offer fixed fees for basic wills and can give you a quote upon request.
5. You can change it at any time If you are worried about your circumstances changing, you will be interested to know that your will can be changed at any time.
Nothing you put in place is set in stone and you can add to or amend your will many times throughout your life by contacting your solicitor. The important thing is getting a will in place to suit your circumstances now, and then updating it when you need to.
At Gibson Kerr, we have many years experience in assisting people with their will and estate planning. You can talk to Lindsay Maclean, Personal Law Partner at Gibson Kerr on 0131 226 9162, or visit
www.gibsonkerr.co.uk for more information. ■
www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk
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