February 28, 2010
Why Do I Need a Will?
Don t leave your loved ones with extra costs and complications.
People who die without a valid will, or intestate, leave costs and complications to their families and often gift thousands of £’s 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, regardless of their age. It is especially important if you are not married to your partner, because the law does not give partners the same automatic rights of inheritance as spouses.
Assets which are owned jointly by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still go to automatically to the surviving spouse under the rules of survivorship. Under the current intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no rights to property and assets that were not jointly held (although the Law Commission has of late suggested to change this).
Forming a will is also critical if you have children, as you can nominate guardians to care for them.
It is important to create a list of assets and debts and their approximate worth. Include your properties, investments, nest egg, insurance policies and pensions.
In addition, think about personal bequests. Just informing a family member that an item will be his or hers one day could cause trouble later.
You should get professional advice on IHT planning as part of writing your will. Simple measures could save the beneficiaries of wealthier householders thousands of pounds in tax.
A vital component of making a will is the appointment of executors to make sure that your will instructions are carried out.
You should also update your will every 5 years or so and whenever your situation are altered by a significant life event, such as marriage, split up or a birth or death in the immediate family. Another instance would be after a house buy or move.
Whoever draws up your will, make sure at least 1 copy is kept secure or deposit 1 with a probate registry.
Consilium Asset Management Limited provide inheritance tax planning advice in Wiltshire
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