What Is a Will?
Sunday, February 21st, 2010
Don t leave your loved ones with extra heartache and complications.
Individuals who pass away without a valid will, or intestate, result in complications and costs to their beneficiaries and often gift lots of money to the Nation in what may be avoidable Inheritance Tax (IHT).
The Law Society says that anyone with possessions and family or friends should make a will, no matter of their years. It is particularly important if you are not married to your partner, because the law does not accord partners the same automatic rights of inheritance as spouses.
Property that is owned jointly by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still pass automatically to the living partner under the rules of survivorship. Under the current intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no rights to assets and property that were not jointly owned (although the Law Commission has of late proposed to change this).
Making a will is also critical if you have minors, as you can nominate guardians to look after them.
It is essential to produce a list of assets and liabilities and their approximate values. Include your house, investment, nest egg, insurance policies and pensions.
In addition, consider making specific legacies. Merely telling a family member that an item will be his or hers one day could cause upset later.
You should receive professional advice on inheritance tax planning as part of writing your will. Simple measures could save the beneficiaries of more well-off homeowners thousands of pounds in tax.
An essential factor of constructing a will is the naming of executors to make sure that your will wishes are executed.
You should also review your will every few years or so and whenever your situation are changed by a significant life event, such as wedding, divorce or a birth or death in the close family. Another instance would be after a house buy or move.
Whoever prepares up your will, make sure 1 copy is kept safe or deposit one with a probate registry.
Consilium Asset Management Limited supply inheritance tax planning advice in Wiltshire