• Anyone who has assets they would like to pass on, after death, to specific people. This may not happen without a Will, even if you are married or have been through a Civil Ceremony.

• Everyone who has children under 18 years of age, or other dependents.

In the U.K., Wills cannot be found for approximately 70% of those who die, causing untold anxiety, problems and additional costs for their loved ones; reducing the value of their families' inheritance.

• Without a Will your spouse may not inherit your entire estate.
• Without a Will your life partner may receive nothing, if you are unmarried or have not entered into a Civil Ceremony, as the law treats you both as single.
• Without a Will your family may, in certain circumstances, be liable for a tax bill of 40% on whatever value passes, above the Inheritance Tax allowance.
• Without a Will, on your death, guardianship of any of your children aged under 18 may be unclear; leaving the courts to decide on their welfare.
• Without a Will your assets may pass into the possession of someone you specifically wanted to exclude, such as an estranged spouse or child.
• Without a Will your home may be at risk in the event of the surviving spouse requiring long term care. (See Trusts)
• Without a Will the costs of obtaining Probate may be significantly higher, resulting in a lower inheritance for those closest to you.

But with a Will you control the dispersal of your assets, avoiding distasteful disputes between/amongst your beneficiaries and reducing the legal costs involved with Probate, giving you peace of mind.

When your Will arrives, you should check it carefully, making sure that all names, together with any addresses, are correct, and that your wishes as to the disposition of your estate are in accordance with the instructions you gave to our consultant during your meeting with him/her.

The Will should then be signed and dated by you in the presence of two independent witnesses. Both witnesses should also sign, then write their full names, addresses and occupations at the foot of the Will, in the place provided.

A person who has a benefit under the Will MUST NOT be a witness, nor should his or her spouse. It is strongly recommended that witnesses are totally independent from anyone mentioned in the Will or in any way connected with the Will.

You should then keep the will in a safe place, to eliminate the risk of fire, water damage, loss, or theft; any of which may cause your will to fail probate.