Local Law Firm. Will Writing Specialists.
Drawing up a will is not expensive, nor is it difficult or time consuming.
You only need to consult a specialist solicitor and have them draw up the legally-binding will for you, and you can rest assured that should something happen to you, your family and friends and your other loved ones will be cared for after your death. Avoiding a horrendous contested will battle is often as simple as that.
Live in the Ringwood or New Forest area? Need help with a new or updated will? Call our experienced team on (01425) 652110 for no strings attached FREE initial phone advice.
If you are looking for help with writing a will, the specialist private client team here at local Fordingbridge law firm Bonallack & Bishop, can help [we merged in 2017 with long established Fordingbridge Solicitors, Jacksons].
Your will – the need for a regular review
What is equally important is that you review your will from time to time. and update it when necessary. Modern life is becoming ever more complicated. Mortgages get paid off, new life insurances or pensions taken out – and that’s quite apart from the increasingly complicated family lives we lead – with an increasing number of people having children with more than one partner.
Wills need to be updated regularly, in order that you can ensure the contents still reflect your wishes and your current personal and financial situation.
What’s more, an old will that has not been regularly updated, can be more easily contested by family members who could argue that your wishes had since changed.
So updating your will regularly is an important way of avoiding a contested will or inheritance claim – which can split families for a generation.
Click here to read more about making a Will
An up-to-date will – especially important for those living together
In the last 30 years, cohabiting has become so very much more popular. And currently it is estimated that around one in six couples live together outside marriage and without having entered a civil partnership.
But in doing so, if they don’t have a will, they are putting themselves at considerable risk. In short, with the exception of jointly owned property, dying without leaving a valid and up to date will, could leave your partner with little financial security. Don’t take that risk. Book an appointment with one of our private client team today.
Click here to read more about Cohabitation and Wills
An up-to-date will – critical for tax planning
According to the old saying “the only thing certain in life are death and taxes”. But while no one eventually cheats the Grim Reaper, proper tax and estate planning carried out alongside a carefully drafted will, can make a huge difference to the tax your family will have to pay when you pass on.
So don’t leave tax planning to chance – call our specialist team today for a FREE no strings attached Wills review appointment.
Click here to read more about tax and estate planning and how a combination of Wills and Trusts can form a critical part of your wealth management plan.
Your Free Will Review
Not entirely sure whether you need to update your Will? Take advantage of our offer and call our team today to book your FREE no obligation appointment.
My circumstances have changed – is it possible to change my will?
Yes. Many people find that the will they previously put in place no longer reflects their wishes. For example, you should always consider changing your will after divorce, and you might remarry and decide that you’d like your new spouse to be named as a beneficiary. Life inevitably brings with it many changes, so it’s a good idea to review your will from time to time to make sure that it continues to meet your needs.
Can I just add the changes to my original will?
No. If your will has been signed and witnessed, then you can’t just go ahead and add things to it afterwards – this will automatically invalidate it. Instead, you need to add a clause known as a codicil. This leaves the bulk of your will instructions intact, but updates the will to include new information, e.g. instructions for specific legacies, or changes to named beneficiaries and executors.
The alternative to a codicil is to destroy the original will and write a brand-new one.
What is the correct way to add a codicil?
Codicils need to be signed and witnessed in the same way as your main will document. You can use a codicil to make small changes and alterations to your existing Will.
Who can change my Will once I have passed away?
It is extremely rare for a properly written Will to be changed once the testator has passed away. However, ambiguous wording may lead to a will challenge.
If you have not given any of your estate to dependents or been “unfair” in how you have distributed your estate to (former) spouses or (former) civil partners, the Court may alter your Will in response to a disputed will claim. If you have reasons why you didn’t provide for these people, you should state these in your Will, as they will be used to help the Court come to a decision.
Former spouses that have remarried will not be able to appeal against your Will.
Are there situations in which a Court can change my Will?
It goes without saying that only the people you name as beneficiaries will receive your estate. If you don’t want to include someone, you can put a clause stating that they are not included. Certain people, namely your children under 16 and your spouse, can make an inheritance claim by applying to the Court under the 1975 Inheritance Act if they feel that they did not receive a sufficient proportion of the estate.
Click here to read about making or defending an Inheritance Act Claim
Live in Ringwood? Want a New Will? Get In Touch with Us Today
Your will is your final dying wish and will ensure that your legacy lives on, helping to avoid any future family problems which could linger for years after you’re gone.
If you need help with wills or probate in Ringwood or in the New Forest area, call our specialist lawyers now for your FREE initial phone advice or book your Free Will Review.
- Call us on (01425) 652110 OR
- E-mail us using the contact form below
5, Provost Street,
Fordingbridge,
Hampshire,
SP6 1AZ
