This week (23rd-29th January) is Update your Will Week, an awareness campaign hosted by SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly) to encourage more people to update their will and ensure their wishes are carried out when they die. This helps minimise disputes – easing distress (and costs) for your loved ones.
New research commission by SFE revealed only 56% of UK adults have updated their will within the last fie years, meaning around a half of wills are out of date. It also showed that half of UK adults have experienced a life changing event, such as getting married, divorced or having a child, since last updating their will.
We recommend that wills are reviewed and updated every five years, or when a major change occurs that impacts you or your loved ones.
In addition, the research revealed that almost three quarters (70%) of parents in the UK have no legal guardian in place to care for their children in the event of their deaths. According to the research, parents are almost completely unaware of the risks of not identifying a legal guardian in a will; this includes the courts or social services deciding what happens to your children.
With only two out of ten parents understanding that social services or the courts can step in to decide what happens to your children if you don’t have a will in place, Gamlins Solicitors LLP are keen to raise awareness of the risks involved when a guardian is not appointed.
Speak to Gamlins Solicitors LLP about making changes to an existing will or creating a new one.
Carolyn Samuel (Bangor office) is a member of SFE, a national organisation of lawyers specialising in advising people on planning for later life. Carolyn will be able to provide support and guidance as you discuss your unique situation and wishes, she can also help to reduce your inheritance tax bill.
SFE lawyers are experts in this area of law and follow a strict code of conduct which has respect and dignity at its heart. Communicating in a clear, straight forward language, they are trained to make sure you understand the important decisions you are making.
Get in touch with us our private client team today and make sure your wishes are communicated when you die.