It is one of the most important documents that you will create in your life, but so many of us neglect to write one until the last moment. Instead, it is often better to write a will sooner rather than later. Here are some of the reasons why you should sit down and write your will.
Relay Your Wishes
The primary purpose of your will is to dictate what should be done with your estate once you have died. All your money, property, and possessions need to be accounted for and given to someone, and the will helps to dictate precisely where things might go.
For example, you might have a piece of jewellery that you want to go to a specific person. This is exactly the sort of information that should be placed in a will. This will help to ensure that your belongings go to the right people even if you are not there to oversee it.
Your will also needs to name at least two executors. This can either be one and then a substitute or two together. These are the people who will ensure that the estate is administered, debts paid, and your last wishes are carried out as you wish them to. In Scotland, however, there are Legal Rights, this is classed as a debt to the estate in favour of a spouse or child who has not been included in your Will. This is not something that can be excluded and is laid down in law.
You will also be able to detail how you would like to be buried as part of your will. If you have a particular burial in mind, make sure it is in your will.
Sudden Changes
Life is short, and you never know when you are going to come up against an issue that might change your perspective on things. Dying without a will can be incredibly problematic, especially if you have multiple descendants or some affairs that would be best sorted out by the clear instructions a will could provide. Without a Will there can be issues with Prior Rights (another type of debt laid down in law – to your spouse). Your estate could also be divided between your family, which may not be your wish. There are also increase in expense and time where there is no Will.
It is always best to be prepared, and a will is a sure-fire way to ensure that you are prepared no matter what. Though no-one particularly likes to think of their death, writing a will ensures that you will be able to look after your loved ones even in the worst of circumstances.
Easy to Do
Many people misunderstand the simplicity and ease of writing a will. It can be complex – especially if you are dealing with properties across multiple legal areas or some other issue – but most of the time they are fairly straightforward. As a result, you should take the time to work out precisely what you wish to put into your will and find someone who can help you write it all down clearly.
While you can find templates and other guides online, it will always be best to reach out to a professional solicitor. They will be able to collate your wishes and bring them together into a legally binding document.
At MM Legal, our solicitors are experienced and conscientious when it comes to writing wills. Reach out to us today to find out more about creating your own will.
