A Will is the most important legal document you will ever make. In England and Wales, your Will must conform to the Wills Act 1837 and the way that it is drafted and the clauses used can have a huge impact on the effects and protection it affords.
Most people are not aware of the many pitfalls associated with Will writing and as a result, many Wills are invalid or ineffective. A Will is only valid if it is properly executed and this can be a complex process. If you do not follow the correct procedure, your Will could be challenged and may not be upheld by the courts.
It is therefore essential that you seek professional advice when writing your Will to ensure that it is valid and effective. A Will can be a complex document and there are many different ways in which it can be drafted. A Will must also be kept up to date to reflect any changes in your circumstances, such as the birth of a child or the purchase of a new property.
If you do not have a Will, your estate will be distributed in accordance with the intestacy rules, which may not be what you would have wanted. By having a Will, you can ensure that your estate is distributed in accordance with your wishes.
A Will can also be used to appoint guardians for any minor children. If you die without appointing a guardian, the court will appoint one on your behalf and they may not be the person you would have chosen.
A Will can also be used to make provision for any pets you may have. If you die without making such provision, your pets could end up being put down or rehomed (and sent to a rehoming centre).
There are many other reasons why you should have a Will, such as to appoint executors and trustees, to make gifts to charity, or to set out your funeral wishes.
Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. It gives you peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in order and that your loved ones will be taken care of according to your wishes.
A Will is a legal document and as such, it should be treated with the utmost care and attention. If you are in any doubt about any aspect of Will writing, you should seek professional advice. There are many Will writing services available and most solicitors offer Will writing as part of their estate planning services.
Issues with writing your own Will include:
– You may not follow the correct procedure, which could make your Will invalid.
– Your Will may not be kept up to date with changes in your circumstances, meaning it might not be effective.
– You may not appoint executors or trustees correctly, which could cause problems down the line.
– You might not include provisions for your pets, which could lead to them being put down or rehomed.
– You might not include your funeral wishes, meaning your loved ones will have to make decisions about your funeral without knowing what you wanted.
Making a Will is an important decision and one that should not be taken lightly. If you are considering writing your own Will, have it reviewed by a professional like SLS Wills and More.
