Why should I write a will?

A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that specifies how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. It also allows you to appoint guardians for your minor children and specify your funeral wishes. 

Why Should You Write a Will?

1. Control Over Your Assets: Writing a will ensures that your assets go to the people or organizations you choose. Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes. 

2. Protection for Your Family: A will provides clear instructions, helping to prevent disputes among family members. It can also provide financial security for your loved ones by specifying who gets what. By adding a Will based Trust you can protect your assets for your partner and future generations stopping sideways disinheritance. 

3.Appointment of Guardians: If you have minor children, a will allows you to name legal guardians to care for them if you pass away. This ensures your children are looked after by people you trust,. otherwise social services could have to make those decisions. 

4. Funeral Wishes: You can specify your funeral preferences in your will, ensuring that your wishes are respected and easing the burden on your family during a difficult time. 

5. Minimizing Legal Complications: A well-drafted will can simplify the probate process, making it easier and quicker for your executors to distribute your estate according to your wishes. This benefits you and your family and gives you peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in order.  Giving clear instructions via your will can also reduce stress and conflict among family members, by giving them clear instructions during what will be a very difficult time for all of them. 

How to Write a Will Legally with our Advisors: 

1. First, have a free, no obligation meeting with one of our expert advisors. They will get to know you and your family circumstances, inform you of your Inheritance Tax Liability and discuss your needs and priorities with you. This will include how you want your estate to be divided, trust protection, who will care for your minor children if applicable, and any specific gifts and funeral. wishes. You will need to choose Executors/Trustees and Legal Guardians (if applicable) who are legally responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will. We can help you to choose the right people to take on these key roles for you. 

3. Secondly, we will meet you to take your formal instructions, confirming what exactly you want to do and taking the information we need. We will then draft your Will and send it to you in the post within 14 days.

4. Lastly, to make sure the will is legal and valid, we offer you a free supervised signing or "attestation" meeting with you and your two witnesses, at a time that's convenient for you all, ensuring all the legal formalities are followed so that your will could withstand any potential scrutiny or challenge in the future.

5. Once the Will is signed we will enclose a pre-paid envelope for you to return your documents to us to store the Will securely.  This is provided at DL Wills LLP through our Maintenance and Storage Service to give you peace of mind your originals are safe. 

6. Review and Update: Regularly review your will and update it as necessary, especially after major life events like marriage (which revokes your Will) , divorce, or the birth of a child. We suggest you review your documents every 3-5 years and at DL Wills LLP you can have unlimited reviews and free of charge changes as life events occur. 

Writing a Last Will and Testament is a crucial step in ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for after your death. It provides peace of mind, financial security for your family, and minimizes potential legal complications. Taking the time to draft a legally valid will is an important part of responsible financial and personal planning 

Any Questions then please email: liz@dlwills.co.uk or call on: 07724314824