Sentimental Value – Can you include these in your Will? Often, people want to leave items of sentimental value to their family and loved ones when they die. Laura Richardson explains how this can be achieved in her latest article . . .
When it comes to writing your Will in Halstead, it is often useful to compile a list of your assets and possessions in order to ensure that you bequeath these appropriately. Whilst it is important to ensure that you include major assets such as property, vehicles, and high-value items, many people feel that it is equally as important to bequeath items that may not have a large cash value but may have sentimental value to them. Your Will is your own legally binding document, and as such it is entirely possible to list as few or as many items of sentimental value as you see fit. There is no limit to how many items you can specify within your Will, nor is there a minimum amount. By including items of sentimental value within your Will, you are ensuring that these items, however trivial they may seem on the surface, are passed on to the person or people that you feel would be best suited to receive these. Perhaps a particular item would have similar sentimental value to a loved one, or perhaps an item might gain sentimental value on your passing and you would like for a certain family member or friend to inherit something that they can remember you by. Because of the often deeply personal nature of items of sentimental value, it is extremely difficult to even begin to list out categories of items, however, there are some recurring themes when it comes to this type of possession. Firstly, items that remind people of a special moment with a child.
Examples of this type of item include the outfit their child wore when they were first born, or perhaps the outfit they wore for an occasion of particular importance such as a Christening dress. Often these items are bequeathed to the child in question. Secondly, items that have remained with you since your own childhood, for example, a teddy bear or blanket. Another popular category of sentimental items is books, particularly religious books, cookery books, or a favourite childhood book or novel. Jewellery can also fall under items of sentimental value, particularly in the case of costume jewellery, or items that may not have a high cash value. Sometimes, however, items of sentimental value are unique or unusual, for example, a handwritten notebook or diary, handcrafted items, a collection of unusual objects or knickknacks, or even a preserved piece of wedding cake. Whatever your items of sentimental value are, be sure to include them in your Will so that you can ensure that they are passed down to a loved one who will appreciate their personal value, regardless of their cash value.
If you would like to discuss the contents of your Will, contact Andrew Douglas Wills and Legal Services today to arrange a free initial consultation, whether in Halstead, Essex or across the UK.
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