A leading law figure has spoken out over the importance of actually making a will, and not just talking about it. Jonathan Smithers, president of the Law Society, was speaking at the recent Dying Matters Awareness Week and claimed that most people acknowledged the importance of making a will, but often did little about it.
It is very easy to keep the task of making a will at the bottom of your ‘to-do’ list; a bothersome chore that can always wait for another day. But speaking at the event about the many consequences of a death in the family, Smithers highlighted the need to avoid leaving a “sea of problems” for your already bereaved family and friends.
As time goes on, many people are becoming more materialistic, and of course, some possessions, particularly property, are becoming more valuable as our lives progress. Furthermore, family structures are becoming more complex, and the need to tie up loose ends to ensure the right people benefit from unforeseen occurrences is growing.
Smithers raised the importance of understanding tax liabilities and property rights, and the consequences of not having a will if you are not legally married. Qualified professionals are available to explain these complexities and help arrange a formal will that will give you peace of mind and safeguard the future for your loved ones.
However, Smithers also warned against turning to the cheapest offer for making a will, and advised that you should choose carefully when seeking the services of trusted advice. Unlike in Scotland, in England and Wales, anybody can set up a service writing wills, they do not have to be professionally qualified or trained.
Therefore, it is critical that you choose a service such as The Probate Solicitors, where you can read testimonials, learn about the people involved and contact them directly. This will assure you that you will receive a valid, legally-binding will that is clear and concise, and will avoid you leaving behind a host of potential pitfalls and consequences for your loved ones.
