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
“Writing a will is not just about securing your assets; it's about preserving your legacy and ensuring your loved ones are taken care of when you're no longer here.”
Creating a will is an essential step in securing your assets and ensuring that your money, property, possessions, and investments, collectively known as your estate, are distributed according to your wishes.
It provides you with the peace of mind that your loved ones and the causes you care about will be taken care of after you're gone. Let's explore the key steps involved in writing a will.
To begin, compile a comprehensive list of your assets and debts. This list should include your home and other properties, bank and building society accounts, savings, investments, insurance policies, pension funds, motor vehicles, jewellery, antiques, and other personal belongings. Equally important is accounting for your debts, such as mortgages, credit card balances, loans, and overdrafts.
Remember to regularly update the valuation of your assets, as their worth may change over time.
Clearly defining your intentions for the distribution of your entire estate is crucial. Consider who you want to benefit from your will, whether you have any specific gifts for particular individuals, and where any remaining property or money should go after funeral expenses, administrative costs, legacies, and taxes have been settled. Additionally, contemplate what should happen if any of your beneficiaries pass away before you.
If you wish to leave a legacy to a charitable organisation in your will, ensure that you provide accurate and complete details, including the charity's full name, address, and registered charity number. It's essential to avoid any errors in this information to ensure your chosen charity receives the intended gift.
Executors play a crucial role in administering and distributing your estate according to your will. Given the responsibility and workload involved, it's important to carefully select trustworthy individuals to carry out these duties. Take the time to consider the right people for this role.
Several options are available when it comes to writing your will, but unless you know what you're doing, it's important to get some outside help to guide you through the process.
At Redlake, we're more than happy to help, regardless of which stage of the will writing process you're in. If you're interested, checkout our services page after reading this blog, or CLICK HERE to kickstart the process and book in for an initial consultation.
To validate your will, it must be signed in the presence of two independent witnesses. All three individuals should be in the same room when the signing occurs. It's important to follow the proper signing protocol, as an incorrectly signed will is not considered valid. Ensure you understand the witnessing requirements, especially considering any temporary modifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After signing your will, store it securely. Options include leaving it with a solicitor, bank, safely storing it at home, or utilising the services of the Probate Service. Inform your chosen executors about the location of your will, and avoid attaching any additional documents to it, as this could lead to doubts regarding its completeness.
To guarantee the validity of your will, it must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two individuals. Additionally, you must have the mental capacity to understand the will's effect and make it voluntarily, without pressure from others. Remember to explicitly state in your will that it revokes any previous versions, and destroy any earlier wills you may have.
Updating your will regularly, ideally every five years or following significant life events, such as the birth of a grandchild or a change in residence, is essential.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the process of writing a will, we're here to assist you every step of the way. At RedLake, we specialise in helping individuals create legally sound wills, navigate estate planning, lasting power of attorney, and probate matters. Our team of experts is ready to provide personalised guidance tailored to your specific needs.
To get started, simply click here to book a consultation with one of our knowledgeable professionals. We'll ensure that your wishes are properly documented and your loved ones are protected. Don't leave your future to chance—let us help you secure your legacy today.