This month we are focusing on the importance of making a Will and what can happen if you don’t.

It’s something that many of us put off as, to some extent, it reminds us of our own mortality. But making a Will makes it much easier for your family or friends to sort everything out when you die. Without a Will the process can be more time consuming and stressful.

Writing a Will is especially important if you have children or other family who depend on you financially, or if you want to leave something to people outside your immediate family. Or perhaps you have remarried and have children by a previous relationship and/or with your current spouse or civil partner, or perhaps you have investments or property you wish to leave to a person or charity.

A Will can also help reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax that might be payable on the value of the property and money you leave behind.

If you don’t write a Will, everything you own will be shared out in a standard way defined by the Law, which isn’t always the way you might want.

Our experienced Solicitor Ailsa Tatton-Shell can help you prepare a Will that accurately reflects your wishes and above all, gives you peace of mind and certainty for you and your loved ones. Ailsa and her team are also on hand to guide and advise you through the often daunting prospect of being an Executor and what’s involved when you are faced with winding up the affairs of someone you have lost.

Ailsa has specialised in Wills, Probate and Trust Law for over 25 years. Her areas of expertise also include advising Personal Representatives on the complex laws surrounding Intestacy (when someone dies without leaving a Will), Inheritance Tax Planning and Powers of Attorney.

Ailsa can be contacted on our main office number – 01752 895252