If you die without a Will, you die intestate.  This means no-one is officially appointed to handle your affairs, such as accessing bank accounts, closing utility accounts etc.  In this instance your family will have to apply for Probate.  This might take up to 16 weeks.

Making a Will can be straight forward.  Areas to consider are:

• Who do you want to inherit your money or possessions?
• Are there specific photos, heirlooms or savings you’d like to divide between different friends or relatives, children, grandchildren, and past or present partners?
• Who would you like to appoint to distribute your estate?
• Do you want to leave any money or possessions to charity?
• Do you want to consider ways to minimise inheritance tax (IHT) due on your estate?
• Do you want to plan your funeral so that it isn’t left to those you love?
• Do you want to consider setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to make decisions on your behalf, if you are unable to?

Thinking about these things in advance will help save heartache or deliberation for those who are tasked with dividing up your estate.  It will make their work easier, potentially minimise the tax charged on your estate, and make sure your wishes are met.

We can help with all of these aspects of your planning. Contact us on 0800 471 4689 or support@planwithgrace.com