Don t leave your loved ones with additional expense and hassle.
People who pass away without a valid will, or intestate, result in costs and complications to their beneficiaries and often gift thousands of pounds to the State in what may be avoidable Inheritance Tax (IHT).
The Law Society says that anyone with possessions and family or friends should make a will, irrespective of their age. It is specially important if you are not married to your partner, because the law does not give partners the same automatic rights of inheritance as spouses.
Property that is owned jointly by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still pass automatically to the surviving partner under the rules of survivorship. Under the current intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no rights to property that were not jointly held (although the Law Commission has of late suggested to change this).
Constructing a will is also vital if you have children, as you can propose guardians to look after them.
It is essential to produce a list of assets and liabilities and their approximate worth. Include your properties, investments, nest egg, insurance policies and pensions.
In addition, think about individual legacies. Merely informing a family member that an item will be his or hers one day could cause upset later.
You should get professional advice on estate planning as part of writing your will. Simple measures could save the beneficiaries of richer householders thousands of £’s in tax.
A key element of affecting a will is the appointment of executors to ensure that your will instructions are carried out.
You should also your will every few years or so and whenever your situation are altered by a important life event, such as marriage, divorce or a birth or death in the close family. Another instance would be after a house buy or move.
Whoever makes up your will, make sure one copy is kept secure or deposit one with a probate registry.
Consilium Asset Management Limited supply inheritance tax planning advice in Somerset