Wills & Probate
SOLICITOR FOR MAKING A WILL BRIGHTON – PROBATE LAWYERS & PROBATE APPLICATION BRIGHTON
Why make a will ?
50% of the UK population have not made a will. Have you?
Wills are important irrespective of your age. Although we don’t like to think about our own mortality, the fact is any of us could die without having a chance to prepare. If you do not make a will, when you die, you will die intestate, meaning government laws will dictate who receives what, often in ways that unexpected or unfavourable. To make sure your intentions are enforceable after you die, it is vital you make a will.
How to make a will
There are three main options: by yourself, through a professional will maker or a solicitor. The disadvantage of using a DIY will kit is there is a risk that you will miss one of the key legal requirements. Generally speaking, a valid will must be in writing, witnessed by persons who are mentally capable and not entitled to benefit from the will and, finally, the person making the will must be mentally capable and make the will without pressure or duress. If you do not fulfil these requirements, your will will be worth no more than the paper it is written.
Advantages of using a solicitor
Not only will a solicitor make sure your will is valid, they will help you consider all the issues surrounding the will such as:
Whether to make a trust – trusts are tax efficient and useful where there are young children who are old enough to benefit from your estate (the sum total of your assets).
Who you should choose as the legal guardians for your children
Who you should choose as executors (persons entrusted to carry out your wishes through your will)
How you can reduce the burden of inheritance tax for your loved ones
Your wishes for your funeral arrangements
What is probate ?
Probate is the process of administering an estate by executors. It involves distributing assets to the correct people, paying off any remaining debts and generally managing financial affairs of the estate. For estates larger than £5000, invariably a grant of probate will be required by banks and other financial institutions.
For advice on obtaining a grant of probate and general advice concerning estate administration, please get in touch at your earliest convenience.