Ideally located experts
As a Society of Will Writers member firm based in Glasgow, we have been providing expert advice on Wills for over 20 years.
How vulnerable are you without a Will?
It’s easy to put off making a Will but if you die without one, your estate will be distributed according to the law of intestacy rather than your wishes. Putting a Will in place enables your wishes to be communicated after your death.
Everyone should have a Will but those most at risk are:
- If you own property, are married or in a domestic relationship or have children, it’s more complicated if you die without a Will.
- For example, if you are in a partnership and not married and there are children, while the children may have a claim on the estate, the partner has no legal right.
- If there are no children, then the law of succession will apply, therefore parents, siblings children from other relationships will benefit.
- Those who are over aged 55.
Not having a Will puts you and your family at risk
More and more people today are choosing cohabitation over marriage, so it makes perfect sense to look to put your affairs in order before it’s too late.
Why get expert Will Writing advice?
People put off setting up a Will for many reasons including, that they think they don’t own enough, they’re not old enough, they’re busy and they think they have plenty of time or indeed just don’t want to think about it.
Then, when something happens to them, their families have to pick up the pieces. A properly executed Will avoids this and ensures you leave nothing to chance.
Hello, I’m David Jack, Managing Director of Castlebank Financial Planning and member of The Society of Will Writers who administrate the Code of Practice for Will Writers.
How Can you offer a free Will?
My experience has been proven by over 30 years Will Writing and Estate planning for individuals and families throughout Scotland
Our Will Writing services are personalised uniquely to you and your family arrangements, outlining your affairs and giving you peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out.
I will provide face to face and online services for Wills. In most cases these are free of charge if it is a simple Will as this is just to build a connection with you should you require any of our other financial services in the future.
It all starts with a conversation simply click here contact me to find out more.
Sincerely,
David Jack
Managing Director DipFA,MLIBF, MSWW
Common Reasons for Establishing a Will Include
Your in Control
First and foremost, a will puts you in control. You choose who will benefit from your estate and what they are entitled to
Unmarried Partners
May not receive anything from your estate unless you have made a Will in their favor
Quicker & Cheaper
It is often quicker, cheaper, and less stressful to administer an estate where there is a will.
Timing
Ensure your loved ones inherit at the right time
Legal Rights
A Will does not avoid legal rights but can reduce the potential for a claim.
Children
A will allows you to make an informed decision about who should take care of your minor children
Frequently asked questions
Does having a Will mean that my family will not need a solicitor when I die?
No this is not the case, a solicitor will be required if your estate is over a certain value say above £15,000 in the bank and definitely if you own property.
Is involving a solicitor expensive?
It can be dependent upon the size of the estate that has been left however, the fee charged is approved by the court to ensure that it is fair for the work carried out in administering the estate.
Can I leave specific item to family members or do I have to gift them now whilst I am alive?
A Will allows you to leave specific legacies either of money or items such as jewellery, watches, and items of sentimental value to individuals that you name in your Will. It is the duty of your executor/s to ensure these go to who you name.
Who can be my executors?
Anyone that you wish however it is better to be persons who have the ability to deal with any forms that need completion and can deal with the solicitor if needed. Also better if they are younger than you so that they have the chance of surviving beyond your death. You can also appoint solicitors as your executors along with your selection to ensure they have the help of a professional.
Can I change my Will once I have made it?
You can do a new Will at any time and it automatically replaces any previous Will you may have made however, if it is just a small change for example you wish to leave a cash sum to grandchildren a simple letter describing the gift and those who are to receive it is fine, but it must be signed and dated and kept with your Will.