February 26, 2010
Should I Make a Will?
Don t leave your wife and kids with extra costs and complications.
People who die without a valid will, or intestate, leave costs and worry to their loved ones and often gift thousands of pounds to the Government in what may be avoidable Inheritance Tax (IHT).
The Law Society says that anyone with assets and family or friends should make a will, irrespective of their years. It is particularly important if you are not married to your partner, because the law does not accord partners the same rights automatically of inheritance as spouses.
Property that is jointly owned by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still go to automatically to the surviving spouse under the rules of survivorship. Under the current intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no rights to any assets that were not jointly held (although the Law Commission has lately suggested to change this).
Making a will is also vital if you have children, as you can nominate guardians to care for them.
It is critical to produce a list of investments, property and debts and their approximate worth. Include your properties, investments, nest egg, insurance policies and pension.
In addition, consider making specific legacies. Just telling a beneficiary that an item will be his or hers one day could cause problems later.
You should get professional advice on IHT planning as part of writing your will. Easy measures could save the beneficiaries of more affluent householders thousands of pounds in tax.
An essential element of building a will is the appointment of executors to ensure that your will wishes are executed.
You should also update your will every few years or so and whenever your situation are altered by a substantial life event, such as marriage, divorce or a birth or death in the immediate family. Another example would be after a house purchase or move.
Whoever constructs up your will, make sure at least one copy is kept safe or deposit 1 with a probate registry.
Consilium Asset Management Limited supply inheritance tax planning advice in Bath
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