The Importance of Making a Will

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Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your wishes are carried out after you are gone and to provide peace of mind for your loved ones. Here is a breakdown of the key reasons why it is so important:

You Control the Distribution of Your Assets

A Will is a legal document that allows you to decide who inherits your money, property, and possessions (your "estate"). Without a valid Will, you are said to have died "intestate," and the law decides who gets what. This means your assets may not go to the people or causes you would have wanted to support. For example;

Unmarried Partners: If you are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner has no automatic right to inherit from you, regardless of how long you have been together.

Friends and Charities: The rules of intestacy do not provide for friends, stepchildren, or charities. If you want to leave a gift to a specific person or cause, you must include it in your Will.

You Can Appoint a Guardian for Your Children

If you have children under the age of 18, a Will allows you to name a guardian to care for them in the event of your death. Without a Will, this decision could be left to the courts, and the person chosen may not be who you would have wanted.

It Helps Reduce Family Disputes

A clear and legally binding Will can prevent arguments and misunderstandings among family members. It lays out your wishes clearly, leaving less room for disputes over who should receive what. This can save your loved ones a significant amount of stress and legal costs during an already difficult time.

It Can Minimise Inheritance Tax

Careful Will planning, often with the help of a legal professional, can help you reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax that might be payable on your estate. This ensures that more of your assets go to your beneficiaries rather than to the government.

You Appoint an Executor

An executor is the person or people responsible for carrying out the instructions in your Will, including paying off debts and distributing your assets. By making a Will, you can choose someone you trust to handle this important and often complex task. If you do not appoint an executor, the court will appoint an administrator, which may be a person you would not have chosen.

You Can Specify Funeral Wishes

While funeral arrangements are often made before a Will is read, a Will provides a good opportunity to record your wishes regarding burial, cremation, and any other specific preferences you have for your final farewell.

In summary, making a Will is the only way to ensure that your money, property, and possessions go to the people and causes you care about. It provides control, protects your loved ones, and can significantly simplify a difficult process for those you leave behind.

Will Writing Service  from Wards Solicitors

At The Brightwell, we are very fortunate that Wards,  a firm of local Solicitors, offer beneficial rates to The Brightwell Community to draw up a simple Will.  Please see the details below

To find out more about booking to see Wards, please call Reception on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

Make a Difference That Lives On

Give the gift of therapy, support and friendship by remembering The Brightwell in your Will. Leaving a financial gift to The Brightwell will have a direct and positive impact on those living with chronic neurological conditions. Your gift will enable individuals to be supported by our wonderful Centre.

For further information, please visit our Gifts In Will page www.thebrightwell.org.uk/gift-in-will

If you have any questions, please call  Victoria Hocquard  on 01454 201686 or email victoria.hocquard@thebrightwell.org.uk