5 Reasons to Make a Will
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Setting aside the time to make a Will is one of the kindest things you can do for your loved ones.
By putting your wishes in writing and creating an official Will, you are ensuring that there will be no confusion when it comes to your property and possessions.
Don’t put off writing a Will; consider the following reasons and make some time in your diary for this important task.
1. A Will ensures your estate goes to the right people
It’s commonly assumed that should the worst happen, your estate would automatically go to your nearest and dearest. However, in the absence of a Will, this isn’t always the case. Officials will use the law of intestacy to determine how your assets should be distributed and this may not necessarily be to the people you would have chosen.
2. You’ll be in control of dividing your possessions
Take control by deciding exactly where you’d like your assets to go. You’ll also have the opportunity to leave specific possessions to the people you care about most. A bequest like this is ideal if you have family heirlooms or even small items that don’t have much in the way of monetary value but which have great sentimental significance.
3. You can appoint your children’s guardians
If you die when your children are under 18 and you haven’t made a Will, you’re leaving the job of appointing a guardian for your children to the court – and the court won’t have the same knowledge of your friends and family as you do. If you want to know that your children would be with the people you’d choose for them, make your wishes known while you have the chance.
4. It’s possible to protect your unmarried partner
These days, there are a large number of people who choose not to get married and this can be a complicating factor when assets are being divided after a death. There is no law in the UK that says that your estate will automatically go to your partner if you are not married, even if you are considered ‘common law spouses’, as although the term ‘common-law’ is frequently used, these relationships do not have legal recognition. Avoid any issues by including your partner in your Will.
5. You can leave things to friends as well as family
When determining what to do with your estate in the absence of a Will, the law will look to your family and spouse. This may be logical but for many people, friends are equally important. Be certain that your loved ones will receive the things you’d like them to by specifying them in your Will and you’ll also have the chance to leave money to your favourite charity or good cause.
Why leave anything to chance when you can take control right now? Find out more about the process of writing a Will and get started today with some help from the SunLife Will Guide.
SunLife offer Over 50s life insurance, term life insurance, Funeral Plans, ISAs and Wills. For more information, visit www.sunlife.co.uk
SunLife is a trading name of AXA Wealth Services Ltd which distributes financial products and services. AXA Wealth services Ltd is a company limited by shares and the registered office is at 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AD (registered in England No 02238458) . AXA Wealth Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register (registration No 465753)
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