IWC Estate Planning & Management Ltd. Regulated by the Society of Will Writers & Estate Planning Practitioners Registered Office: Suite 43-45 Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon, CR0 0XZ. Registered in England No. 4532330

Information About Wills That Everyone Should Know

When asked about wills and will making, most people would know some of the basic facts.

However, there are some pieces of information that not everyone knows, even though they are

useful not only with regards to making the will, but also as to what you might choose to put in it.

Firstly, although times are changing and ever progressing, and most of the will writing

formalities can be done on-line, or remotely, there are still some aspects that must be done in

what some might term the 'old fashioned way'. The most important of these is that the will must

be signed in the presence of two witnesses, who must in turn sign the document. They have to

physically see the testator sign their will; it can't be done via the internet, and it can't be done at a

later date. Without these essential signatures (or if the signatures are there but they can be proved

to have been written at a later date, for example), the Will will be considered invalid, and your

final wishes can't be upheld by law.

Secondly, everyone needs a will. No matter how much (or how little) money you have, it is

important to note everything down. If you are a parent, for example, you can name guardians for

your children. Even if you only have very few possessions, it is worth making a will so that, after

your death, your estate can be dealt with quickly and easily. Don't leave making a will until it's

too late - wills can always be changed and updated, so it is wise to make one even if you are

young.

Speaking of updating a will, this is an important thing to remember. Often wills are written and

then 'deliberately' forgotten about, since mortality is not something that is particularly pleasant to

think or talk about. However, what would happen to your estate should you divorce (and even

remarry)? What if your spouse were to die before you? What about children - will they inherit?

And what about subsequent births? You may have made a will when your first child was born -

which is a great idea - but what about the second, third, and so on? If they are not mentioned they

may not be able to inherit anything at all…

Finally, even if you have written a will, it may not cover everything you intend it to. Have you

stated who you wish to be the recipient of any life insurance policies or pensions? And are those

people the same ones who are mentioned in the policies themselves? As long as both documents

match up, there should be no problems, but if they are different, there could be some long legal

battles in your family's future. The same goes for property.

So although writing a will may seem fairly simple, there are pitfalls that must be avoided to

ensure a smooth and easy process for your loved ones once you have passed away. The best way

to ensure that everything is absolutely as you want it to be is to contact the experts who will be

IWC Estate Planning & Management Ltd. Regulated by the Society of Will Writers & Estate Planning Practitioners Registered Office: Suite 43-45 Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon, CR0 0XZ. Registered in England No. 4532330

able to go through every part of your will and not only check it for you, but also suggest

amendments if necessary.

Call us for a quote, instant help or impartial advice on Freephone

0800 612 6105 or 020 8150 2010