An up-to-date Will is vital to protect your loved ones when you are no longer around.
Without a Will in place when you die, there is no guarantee that your money and valuables – including your home – will pass to your loved ones.
FBC Manby Bowdler will be taking part in Update your Will Week 2023 (#updateyourwillweek) from January 23–29, to encourage people to update their Will and ensure their wishes are carried out when they die.
Carina Kervin, a Partner in the Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning Team at FBC Manby Bowdler, is also the Shropshire regional director at Solicitors for the Elderly, a network of 1,700 specialist lawyers across the UK proudly hosting Update Your Will Week.
Carina said: “Having a Will is important for anyone who has property or assets. Without a Will a person’s property or assets will pass in accordance with the rules of intestacy, which could have unexpected results.”
“Shropshire is an ageing county – the last census showed the number of people aged 65 and over had increased by almost 30 per cent in 10 years, compared to just 0.1 per cent for 15 to 64-year-olds and a decrease of 2.5 per cent in under-15s.
“It’s easy to assume that everything you own will pass to your spouse or children when you die, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Talk to a legal professional to make sure you have everything in order, before it’s too late.”
It is recommended that Wills are reviewed every five years, or whenever there is a major life change such as marriage, divorce, birth or a death in the family. It is especially important if you have children, to make sure they are looked after in the way you wish in your absence.
A well-drafted Will makes dealing with your estate easier for those left behind, and avoids the distress and expense that can be involved if no instructions have been left.
Our Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning Team are here to help with any queries you might have about making or updating a Will, including help with reducing your inheritance tax bill.
We understand that it is a sensitive subject and will make sure your wishes are dealt with dignity and respect, and will use clear language so you understand all the implications of your decisions.
