December 05, 2024
A recent High Court ruling highlights the complexities of inheritance disputes and the importance of seeking expert legal guidance early.
Will Solicitors
Making a will is a way to legally decide what happens to your money, house and personal belongings after you pass away. At Switalskis, we have a skilled team who are experts in helping people make wills.
We get that making a will is a big moment in your life. We aim to make the legal side of things as easy as possible for you. This includes breaking down complicated parts into easy-to-understand language, keeping you updated and making sure everything goes smoothly from beginning to end.
We're here to offer you the support you need, right when you need it.
To get started, give us a call us on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch via our website.
Sorting out the details for making a will can feel difficult and frustrating. We'll guide you through the whole will making process, step-by-step. We know that everyone has their own reasons for making a will, so we'll help you understand your rights and tailor a plan just for you, addressing all your specific needs and questions.
Thinking about making a will might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it becomes important when life changes, like when you get married, enter a long-term relationship, have children, or even buy a house. If you've got someone specific in mind you want to leave things to, or you're not on good terms with your family and want to make sure your belongings go to the right people, a will is a must-have.
You might think that if you're in a long-term relationship but not married, your other half will automatically get everything. That's actually a myth. If you want to make sure your partner is looked after in the way you intended, the only way to guarantee it is by making a will.
Trusts are another clever tool to think about. They can help you pass down money to your loved ones in a way that protects them. Our team of experts in wills and probate can guide you through the process of setting up a trust and explain your best options.
So, why should you make a will? Well, it puts you in the driver's seat, making sure your wishes are carried out to the letter. This can be a massive relief for your family during a tough time, removing any guesswork or squabbles about who gets what.
In short, making a will is like creating a roadmap for your family and loved ones to follow. It makes sure that everything you've worked hard for goes to the right people and places, just as you'd want. If you're not sure where to start or have any questions, we're always here to help.
Making a will is a key step in making sure that your wishes are carried out after you're gone. The process can be broken down into several stages, and while it might seem daunting at first, it's actually quite straightforward when you get down to it.
First, think about what assets you have. This includes property, savings, investments, and personal items like jewellery. You'll also want to decide who should benefit from your estate, whether it's family, friends or even charities.
An executor is the person responsible for carrying out the wishes you've outlined in your will. This can be a family member, a friend or a professional like a solicitor. Make sure the person you choose is willing to take on this responsibility.
While you can draft a will yourself, it's often a good idea to consult a solicitor, especially if your financial affairs are complicated. A solicitor will help make sure that the will is legally valid and achieves what you intend.
Whether you're doing it yourself or with a solicitor, the next step is to draft the will. This document will outline how your assets should be distributed, who your executor will be, and any other specific wishes you have.
For a will to be legally valid, it needs to be signed in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign the will. Witnesses should be over 18, and it's generally advised that they shouldn't be beneficiaries in the will.
Once your will is signed and witnessed, make sure to store it in a safe place and let your executor know where it is.
Life changes, and so should your will. Marriage, divorce or the birth of a child are all significant events that should prompt you to review and, if necessary, update your will.
While not mandatory, registering your will can make it easier for your executor to locate it when the time comes. In the UK, you can register it with the National Will Register.
After your death, the executor will need to apply for a grant of probate, which gives them the legal authority to administer your estate as per your will.
Making a will doesn't have to be a stressful experience. By planning ahead and seeking the right advice, you can make sure that your wishes are followed, reducing any stress or strain on your loved ones after you're gone.
The time it takes to create a will can vary, depending on the complexity of your assets and your personal circumstances. However, the process can be broadly described in a general timeframe.
If you're working with a solicitor, the first meeting to discuss your wishes and assets generally takes around an hour or two. This could be quicker if you've already got a good idea of what you want to include in your will.
Once you've laid out your wishes, the actual drafting of the document can take a few days to a week if done by a professional. If you're doing it yourself, it might take longer due to the need to carefully research and understand legal terms and implications.
After the initial draft is made, you should review it thoroughly to make sure that it reflects your wishes accurately. If changes are needed, this can add another few days to a week onto the process.
This part is usually quick, often done in a single meeting. You'll need two witnesses present who aren’t beneficiaries in the will to watch you sign the document, and then they'll sign it themselves.
After the will is signed and witnessed, deciding where to store it safely is a matter of days or could be done on the same day or a few days later. Informing your executor of its location is immediate but very important.
In summary, if everything goes smoothly and you're working with us, you could complete the process within two to three weeks. Regularly updating your will to reflect any significant life changes is also a part of the process but can usually be done more quickly than drafting the initial document.
Age restrictions do apply when it comes to creating a will. In the United Kingdom, you must be at least 18 years old to make a valid will. This is the legal age at which you're considered capable of understanding the implications of such a significant legal document.
However, there are a few exceptional circumstances where younger people can create a will. For example, members of the Armed Forces on active duty can make a will at a younger age - this is known as a privileged will. This is because their circumstances are considered extraordinary, and the usual rules don't apply.
It's worth noting that while there's a minimum age requirement, there's no maximum age limit for creating a will. As long as you're of sound mind, and understand what you're doing and the effects it will have, you can create or change your will at any age. It's essential, particularly as we get older and perhaps face health challenges, to review and update the will to make sure it still reflects our wishes accurately.
Life doesn't stay the same, and neither should your will if your circumstances change. Maybe you've had more children, perhaps you've divorced, or possibly you've come into some money or property. Any of these changes could make it necessary to update your will to make sure it still does what you want it to do. We recommend that a will should be reviewed every two to three years.
To get started, give us a call us on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch via our website.
A recent High Court ruling highlights the complexities of inheritance disputes and the importance of seeking expert legal guidance early.
Dealing with someone’s affairs after they die can be complex. Our probate guide aims to simplify the process.
We’ve explained the value of a will and lasting powers of attorney and finally we’re demystifying the probate process. When a loved one passes away, navigating the legalities of their estate can feel overwhelming - but we're here to help.
As part of the Dying Matters conversation, we're exploring a crucial aspect often overlooked – the significance of obtaining a lasting power of attorney (LPA).
Making a will can feel daunting, but we're here to guide you through it. At Switalskis, our aim is to give you straightforward, easy-to-understand advice so you can make informed decisions about your future. We get to know our clients and their circumstances so we can provide the best advice.
Creating a will involves a few legal steps, but there's no need for it to be confusing. Our solicitors will break down complex matters into plain English. We guide you through every step, from what documents you'll need to how to make your wishes legally binding.
We understand that making a will is an important milestone. Our team is well-versed in the law but equally skilled in understanding your needs. We listen carefully to make sure our services are tailored to you.
We've been in this business for years, and we know our stuff. You can count on us for reliable advice that won't let you down. Our wealth of experience means we can tackle even complicated cases with confidence.
Our aim is to create a will that safeguards your wishes for the future. Whether it's your first time making a will or you're updating an old one, it's never too late to make sure your will is legally sound and your wishes will be followed when the time comes.
If you're considering making a will and want it done right, chat with our team today for personalised advice.
Call us on 0800 1380 458 or get in touch through our website.