We’d all prefer not to think about death, especially our own, but there’s nothing morbid about making a will.  It’s a positive, practical part of long-term financial planning that can bring you real peace of mind.

If you die without leaving a valid will, the rules of intestacy dictate who inherits your estate and how it’s divided up.  Personal items may be sold rather than going to someone who’d appreciate them.  A surviving spouse may even have to sell their home so relatives can receive their share.  If you have no surviving spouse or blood relatives, everything goes to the state.  A valid up-to-date will protects those you care about, prevents confusion and distress, and ensures that you, not the law, decide exactly how everything will be passed on. 

Making or updating a will can seem complex and time-consuming but with the right advice it’s easier than you might imagine.  The key is in planning it properly. Many charities offer will guides, such as the free, comprehensive Will Information Pack from Help the Aged.  If you’d like impartial, confidential guidance on planning your will, a Wills and Legacies Advisor from Help the Aged can arrange to visit you at home.  Their advice is free of charge and free of legal jargon. 

Topics covered include estimating the value of your estate, treatment of any jointly owned property, practical ways of dealing with personal belongings, Inheritance Tax, Trusts, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and selecting Executors.  To order a free Will Information Pack or request a consultation with an Advisor from Help the Aged, telephone 020 7239 1965 or email info@helptheaged.org.uk. 

Don’t be tempted to write a home-made will or use a will form from a stationers or the internet.  Once you’ve planned your will, it’s always best to go to a solicitor or other qualified professional to draw up the final legal document.  For a list of solicitors in your area, search the Law Society’s website www.solicitors-online.com or telephone 020 7242 1222.