Approximately 60% of adults in the UK don’t have a will.

Everyone knows that writing a Will is essential but most put it off until they are a lot older.

If you die without a Will the intestacy rules take effect. Your clients assets may not go to their preferred beneficiaries and some may even pass to the crown.

Making a Will is the only way to ensure that your clients’ wishes are carried out. If your client has a Will they can nominate executors and guardians, make gifts, advance medical directives and ensure dependents’ benefit as they intend.

Making a Will can ensure:

• Each family member receives designated share of estate.
• Guardians are appointed
• Estate passes to spouses in a tax efficient way
• People dealing with the estate are those trusted
• Any charitable donations can be made
• Individual gifts can be given to those who will treasure them
• Children from previous relationships are not by-passed
• Avoidance of “sideways disinheritance”

If your client has a Will; it should be reviewed every three years, and whenever there is a change of circumstances. Changes of circumstance include life events like a new job, new baby, divorce, re-marriage, lottery win or a house move.

This gives you reasons to engage with your client more often. Making a Will provides you more insight into you clients’ lives.

Currently it is estimated that 40% of Wills are ineffective and are not representative the wishes of the client.