Wills in Tiptree and throughout the UK should not be overly complicated despite many misconceptions to have arisen to the contrary. In addition, the writing of Wills does not need to even take all that long just as long as it is done to give both you and your family peace of mind!
However, before you start documenting your wishes you are advised to consider the following three key points with a view to ensuring your will covers everything that you want it to in Tiptree:
First, when it comes to your possessions think about the ‘small stuff’ as opposed to your bigger assets. For example, where you are married or in a civil partnership then big joint assets like your home or bank account should go to your spouse or partner automatically. Nevertheless, it is also to be noted that both life insurance policies and retirement accounts have beneficiaries that are already attached to them that must be kept current so they go to those people that you intend them to. At the same time, however, if you have your own accounts or property then this would pass under the terms of your Will except where it is otherwise provided through, for example, the provision of a trust. Additionally, it may also be considered pertinent to put a Will in place where you have items of sentimental value you want to specifically give to individual parties like a piece of jewellery or a particular bit of furniture so as to make things easier for your loved ones by minimising the potential for disputes to arise in relation to your estate by expressing your wishes.
Second, where you have children that are under the age of 18 you MUST put a Will in place that names a guardian for them. Of course, there can be no denying that this can be a difficult task. Nevertheless, it is better dealt with by you because you can then pick someone that you like with the same values as you and the ability and finances to look after your children even if they are not perfect (N.B. until your death, you can change the name of this person as often as you like as they are your children and you are entitled to see them looked after).
However, if you do not name a guardian for your children then they may have to go into care until someone suitable can be found to look after them. With this in mind, in such circumstances in may be necessary for the court system to involve itself in selecting who is to look after your children which may not be the person that you would ever have wanted to do so. Nevertheless, whilst it is also to be noted that this understanding is subject to your partner/ex-partner that you had the children with becoming the sole partner if they are still alive, if you believe that they are unfit to act then you can write a letter to this effect and retain it with your Will. This can be a significant safeguard for your children in the event of your death because, although it is not legally binding, such a letter at least warns the courts of the possibility of problems arising.
Finally, you need to choose an Executor (or Executors) to see that the terms of your Will are fulfilled. By way of illustration, in the wake of your death your Executor will see that your taxes and debts are paid, accounts are close and that your property is distributed to your beneficiaries. Of course, you need to think carefully about who you want to undertake the role of Executor but, so long as they are firm, honest and organized, there is no need for them to have any particular skills. With this in mind, the majority of people select a relative to act as an Executor who may then consult skilled professionals as and where necessary to assist them with the administration of your Wills in Tiptree and throughout the UK. This is because the Will writing process is detailed and time-consuming (N.B. you can, of course, utilise the services of a lawyer but this will usually come with an accompanying fee).
There are many other details that you may seek to consider in looking to undertake effective Estate Planning with a view to drafting your Will. On this basis, you can then seek assistance and answers to any questions you may have by contacting a service provider like Andrew Douglas Wills and Legal Services for writing your Wills in Tiptree and throughout Essex.
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