Should I Make a Will?
Don t leave your beneficiaries with extra heartache and complications.
Individuals who die without an up to date will, or intestate, result in complications and costs to their family and often gift thousands of pounds to the Country in what may be avoidable Inheritance Tax (IHT).
The Law Society says that anyone with assets 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 accord partners the same rights of inheritance as spouses.
Property that is owned jointly by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still go to automatically to the existing 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 owned (although the Law Commission has recently suggested to change this).
Doing a will is also essential if you have kids, as you can appoint guardians to care for them.
It is important to create a list of investments, propert and debts and their approximate worth. Include your properties, investment, nest egg, insurance policies and pensions.
In addition, consider details of single legacies. Merely telling a family member that an item will be his or hers one day could cause trouble later.
You should receive professional advice on inheritance tax planning as part of writing your will. Easy steps could save the beneficiaries of more well-to-do householders thousands of £’s in tax.
An important component of affecting a will is the appointment of executors to make sure that your will wishes are carried out correctly.
You should also update your will every few years or so and whenever your circumstances are altered by a significant life event, such as marriage, divorce or a birth or death in the immediate family. Another instance would be after a house purchase or move.
Whoever prepares up your will, make sure 1 copy is kept secure or deposit one with a probate registry.
Consilium Asset Management LTD offer inheritance tax planning advice in South Gloucestershire
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