This November, you can ask a Will Aid solicitor to write or update your will in return for a voluntary donation to charity. There are nine charities in partnership including actionaid, British Red Cross and Save the Children. Regardless of how much wealth you consider yourself to have, or at what stage of life you are at it is vital to make a will and keep it up to date as circumstances change.
If you die intestate (without a will) certain rules will determine how your assets will be shared out which may well be not how you would have wished. Also there can be delays, and issues causing beneficiaries and families a great deal of stress. Let's look at a couple of examples.
Unmarried couples with no registered civil partnerships should have a will in place to ensure the surviving partner can inherit. Couples married or otherwise with children need a will to outline arrangements if one or both parents die. A will can also be an important tax planning tool. For these, and many more reasons, it is important you seek advice from a solicitor rather than go down the DIY route. A will can also enable you to support causes and charities after your death.
You can find out more about Will Aid and find a solicitor on this website at https://www.willaid.org.uk/ and learn more about why you should make a will from Money advice service at https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/why-you-should-make-a-will
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this article does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Ethical Futures llp is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.