Funeralguide2017

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A WILL HERITAGE ESTATE PLANNING

THE majority of the UK population do not have a will, yet having a properly drawn up will in place is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your family’s future. Having a will in place is not only vital to ensure that your money, property and possessions are distributed exactly how you wish after your death – and that your children are properly cared for by friends or family carefully chosen by you – but can also make the lives of those you leave behind a little less daunting. The effect of dying without a properly drawn up will in place (referred to as dying ‘intestate’) means that your estate will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which may not reflect your

personal wishes, and a guardian for your children may be appointed by a judge rather than being somebody that has been carefully chosen by you to fulfil the role of guardian. Another equally important form of forward planning that could make life a little easier for you and your loved ones is to ensure that you have Lasting Powers of Attorney in place so that, in the event that you become unable to make decisions with regards to your finances or health yourself, due to a decline in your mental health, carefully chosen ‘attorneys’, can step in and make these decisions on your behalf. Sadly, most people do not have Lasting Powers of Attorney in place as they

leave it too late, taking the view that it is something that need only been done by the elderly or infirm. Crucially, it is only while you still have sufficient mental capacity to make these decisions that you can put Lasting Powers of Attorneys in place. Effective estate planning need not be a daunting, nor expensive process, and can bring you peace of mind knowing that your family will be taken care of in accordance with your wishes after your death. We are all aware of famous cases in the media where celebrities have died intestate – with catastrophic consequences – and, yet, situations such as these can very easily be avoided.

Do you need to make a Will or a Lasting Power of Attorney? Heritage Estate Planning offer a professional, friendly service in your own home Please call to book your consultation meeting or visit our website. Tel: 079100 74611

email: wills@heritagelegalep.co.uk website: www.heritagelegalep.co.uk

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