Don't leave your wishes to strangers to decide
Knowing that your affairs are in order and your wishes are clearly documented can provide immense relief for both you and your family.
A clear, well-written will can help prevent potential disagreements among your loved ones regarding the distribution of your assets.
Proper estate planning can help reduce the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries may have to pay.
At RedLake, we understand that planning for the future can be daunting. Our expert will writing services are designed to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Based in Tamworth, Staffordshire, we offer home visits across the surrounding four counties, making it convenient for you to take control of your estate and ensure your loved ones are taken care of.
Procrastination is natural when it comes to making a will, as it forces us to confront our own mortality. However, waiting for a crisis to strike can lead to unnecessary stress and complications for your loved ones during an already difficult time.
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Generally, individuals can create a will if they are at least 18 years old and possess testamentary capacity. While there are a few exceptions to the minimum age requirement in exceptional situations, the standard rule is that the ability to create a will – similar to the ability to own property – commences once an individual attains the age of majority, which is 18.
In the United Kingdom, children can inherit property, which is often placed into an estate trust that they can access at a later stage in their lives.
In England and Wales, you enjoy near-total liberty to bequeath your estate to whomever you desire. After all, it's your property! To determine the beneficiaries of your estate, create a will and explicitly state your wishes. If you don't, the law intervenes and dictates the distribution of your assets.
We understand that creating a legally binding will and securing the future of your loved ones can seem like a daunting task. However, we believe that everyone should have access to affordable estate planning. That's why we offer easy-to-use tools to help you create legal wills, trusts, and probate documents at a fraction of the cost of other providers. When you work with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your family's future is protected and your wishes will be carried out.
Fantastic Will Writing Service. Simplicity from start to finish. From beginning to end it took 9 working days.
This was my first ever experience of making a Will, and at 70 years of age, I feel a burden has now been lifted off my shoulders. Highly recommended!
I’m very happy with the service provided by Phill and Gaynor at Redlake UK Limited.
I needed a lot of help to make my Will and LAPs which was always provided in a very efficient and friendly manner. I couldn’t ask for more.
Will Writing, Lasting Power of Attorney, Probate & Estate Planning
When it comes to estate planning and wills, the role of an executor is crucial. Whether you find yourself appointed as an executor or are considering whom to choose for your own will, it's important to understand the responsibilities and considerations involved. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a comprehensive overview of what an executor is and address common questions surrounding this vital role.
An executor is an individual designated in a will to manage and settle the estate of the deceased person. The estate encompasses all their possessions, properties, and finances. Acting as the legal representative, the executor carries out various tasks to ensure the orderly distribution of assets and fulfilment of the deceased person's wishes.
When creating a will, selecting the right executor(s) requires careful thought. Since the role involves significant work and responsibility, it's essential to choose someone you trust implicitly and who is willing to carry out the necessary duties. Ideally, you should discuss the responsibilities with your chosen executor(s) beforehand to ensure their willingness to fulfil the role.
Executors can be friends, family members, or individuals close to you. They don't have to be related to you, but it's important to consider their ability to handle the responsibilities associated with the role. Additionally, those chosen as executors may also be beneficiaries of your will.
To distribute the responsibility and provide a backup in case one executor is unable to fulfill their duties, it is recommended to appoint at least two executors. Having multiple executors can help ensure that the process proceeds smoothly and efficiently.
In situations where you lack suitable candidates or have a complex estate, you may choose to appoint a professional executor, such as a solicitor or an accountant. Professional executors have experience in handling intricate estates and can provide valuable expertise. It's important to note that professional executors charge fees for their services, which will be deducted from your estate.
If you find yourself appointed as an executor, you will have various responsibilities to fulfill:
Securing the deceased person's property promptly after their passing.
Collecting all assets, including money and property, belonging to the estate.
Settling any outstanding taxes and debts using funds from the estate.
Distributing the estate's assets to the beneficiaries named in the will.
Probate is the legal process that grants the executor the authority to handle the deceased person's estate. To apply for probate, you will need to complete specific forms, including form PA1 and the relevant Inheritance Tax form. These forms, along with supporting documents, should be submitted to the local probate registry, accompanied by the appropriate fee.
Inheritance Tax may be applicable if the value of the estate exceeds a certain threshold. It is essential to obtain a professional valuation for significant assets like properties or investments and provide detailed information to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Distributing the estate to the beneficiaries is one of the final steps of the executor's role. This includes honoring any specific bequests mentioned in the will and preparing estate accounts for each beneficiary. It's crucial to keep detailed records of all transactions and activities related to the estate to address any future inquiries.
Whether you've been elected as an executor or are in the process of selecting your own executors, it can be an overwhelming experience.
So if you need assistance with any or all of the above mentioned points, we're more than happy to help. Simply get in touch or schedule a consultation call with us HERE and we'll help you through the process.