It’s not too late to make a Will

*If you’re reading this, it’s not too late. If someone else is reading it to you, this may be a little more urgent…

*The information in this blog relates to England and Wales only

 Many people delay writing their Will. Life gets busy, the paperwork feels daunting, and no one particularly enjoys thinking about what happens after they’re gone.

But here’s the thing – your Will is less about you and more about the loved ones you leave behind. And they’ll be grateful you wrote it.

I suppose it is a little bit about you, if you would rather avoid your family cursing your name into the afterlife, wondering how and why you never got around to sorting this in the many, many more years you had than them. But mostly them.

So why now?

Without a Will, your wishes may not be honoured.
No one listens anymore. Not like they used to in the good old days. Allegedly.
So write it down, or risk unintentionally causing stress and expense for those you love most.

I have worked with countless clients who believed it was too late. It was not. And every single one of them felt a great sense of relief once their Will was in place.

The reality is, many people only encounter Private Client law when a loved one dies. And grief makes a terrible icebreaker.

When the time comes, and it is always sooner than we expect, if you die intestate (without a valid Will), you will only add to your loved ones’ grief by dumping them with admin from beyond the grave.

And no one remembers the person who made life harder for their family with much fondness.

Who needs a Will?

Well, we tend to associate those who need Wills with people distinctly past their prime, dressed in tired mothball-scented suits and slumped in leather Chesterfields.

Which scratches the surface about as much as a microfibre cloth.

If you own property, have savings, sentimental possessions, or simply wish to spare your family, you need a Will, no matter your age.

Three clear reasons to make a Will today

Even if you think you have “nothing,” or that it is too late, these reasons apply to everyone:

1. Decide who gets what:

• Money
• Property
• Personal possessions

Without a Will, the law, not you, decides who inherits your estate. If you have grandchildren you would like to spoil, or family members you would rather not, this is your moment.

2. Protect your loved ones:

No Will means those closest to you could be left with nothing, or face legal hurdles at an already difficult time.

And no one wants their partner or children fighting the probate office, or each other, because of a missing Will.

3. Save your family from an administrative nightmare:

• Stress
• Delays
• Thousands in legal fees

A properly written Will makes probate simpler and faster. It spares your family the additional burden of complex legal processes at a time of grief.

Besides, you don’t want to give them another reason to be cross with you.

Personal touches you may wish to include in your Will

It is not all about tax and paperwork. Your Will is also a chance to add personal touches, and yes, to settle a few scores if needed.

1. Decide who inherits your pets and plants: Yes, your daughter-in-law will drown the monsteras and depress your corgi.
2. Leave personal messages or items of sentimental value: A letter, a family heirloom, or a piece of music to be played at your service. Think Elton for tears, Abba for joy. But that is your choice.
3. Make one last petty point: Leave someone nothing, 5p, or your entire collection of Tupperware lids. No matching containers, of course. This is a great time to get revenge on your obnoxious grandchildren. It is okay to have favourites.

In summary

It is not too late. And it is never too soon.

A Will is one of the most caring and responsible things you can do for your loved ones. And let us be honest. They will thank you for making life easier. Or at least, they will not be cursing your name over inheritance tax.

Where there is a Will, there is a way.