Wrigley Claydon Solicitors

Tag: wills

  • The importance of making a Will

    The importance of making a Will

    A recent study by Aviva has revealed that money is often a taboo subject for the over 55s, with more than a quarter of over 55s admitting they haven’t discussed their financial retirement plan with their spouses. Even more worryingly, only just over a third of over 55s have yet to write a Will. This resistance to discuss important financial decisions even with loved ones can lead to troubling consequences, and it is important to ensure that you are in control of what happens to your property, possessions or savings if the worst should happen.

    While discussing the inevitable can be difficult to face, should you pass away without having written a Will, the law will determine how your money, property and possessions are divided. In today’s society where many families have a less traditional structure, this can create unnecessary issues where loved ones to whom you may want to leave a sum of money may not be able to receive it. Your property or possessions may also risk being left to someone who you do not wish to inherit them.

    However, by putting a Will in place as early as possible, you will be able to put plans in place for your children, grandchildren, spouse or other loved ones. It is important that it is written correctly by a qualified law professional. While many companies now sell ‘DIY’ will writing kits, or instructional books on how to write a Will, it is very easy to make mistakes. The correct jargon must be used and any vague or unclear language, as well as any spelling or grammatical errors, could cause your will to be interpreted incorrectly. Often more importantly, mistakes made when signing and witnessing a Will can result in the Will being invalid entirely.

    It is also important to keep your Will up to date. Your Will can be amended any time, so if your family circumstances change (such as grandchildren being born or a divorce within the family), it is possible to modify your original document to reflect these changes. Your will should also be modified if your financial situation changes, for example if you have inherited a sum of money or set up a business, so that your new assets can be included in the document, and also to prevent any tax complications.

    Making a Will should not be left to old age – at Wrigley Claydon, our Will Department are able to help you make a Will, or amend your pre-existing Will if your circumstances have changed.

    Our team of professionals can assist you from start to finish and ensure that your loved ones are covered. To read more about the process of making a Will, download our information sheet. You can also call us on 0161 624 6811 for more information, or contact us through our enquiry form.
  • Does charity begin at home? Making a Will

    Does charity begin at home? Making a Will

    September saw “Remember a Charity in your Will” week. Charities joined forces with the government to highlight the importance of gifts left to charity in Wills.

    Apparently, 74% of people regularly support a charity in their lifetime but only 6% of people in the UK have left a gift to charity in their Will.However, during a six month project conducted by the Cabinet Office Behavioural Insights Team, this percentage rose to 10% when Solicitors told their clients that leaving a gift to charity was an option.

    When clients were asked if there were any charities that they were passionate about, giving rose again to 15%. During the trial an additional £1m of gifts was left to charities in Wills.

    Leaving a gift to your favourite charity on your death is one of the many reasons for making a Will. Making a Will ensures that any specific intentions you have for the disposal of your property, money and possessions, after your death, can be carried out.It also gives you the opportunity to provide for your children, a relative or friend or to minimise potential tax liabilities. Above all, it prevents added stress and worry to your family at a time of bereavement.

    If you would like to talk to us about making a Will please call us on 0161 624 6811 and ask to speak to a member of our Wills and Probate Team.

  • What we do as your probate solicitor after someone has died

    Probate SolicitorDo I need a probate solicitor?

    When someone dies, someone needs to sort everything out. Death is a major event which has consequences that need to be properly handled on behalf of the deceased. Probate is the legal authority conferred upon someone to carry out the administration of the estate.

    The ‘estate’  includes;

    • money, both cash and money in a bank or building society account. This could include money paid out on a life insurance policy
    • money owed to the person who has died
    • shares
    • property, for example, their home
    • personal possessions, for example, their car or jewellery
    As your probate solicitor these are the services we can provide;

    1. Register the death with all the relevant authorities without the need for you to obtain numerous death certificates and contact numerous authorities.

    2. Obtain the official document called a grant which authorises a named individual to administer the estate for example close bank accounts and encash insurance policies held by the deceased.

    3. Our application for a grant as a probate solicitor will be dealt with in priority to an individual’s application.

    4. Deal with the inland revenue on your behalf.

    5. Ensure monies are paid out to the correct beneficiaries – identification can be problematic especially if there is no will. we are fully insured.

    6. Arrange for property to be transferred following a death or deal with its sale.

    It is always best to get legal advice from a probate solicitor.  We are an experienced firm who understand and are able to deal with all possible aspects that can arise on someone’s death.

    For more information or to speak to one of our probate solicitors Rachel Damianou or please call us on  0161 624 6811.