Wills & Trusts
If you die intestate (without having made a Will) the State decides what happens to your wealth.
This may well leave your loved ones in a costly, uncertain and stressful position
at the worst possible time. Planning the ultimate distribution of your estate, protecting your assets
by making a Will and, when relevant, setting up a trust are some of the most important things that you
will ever do. By preserving your hard earned wealth and putting your affairs in order you will make a
significant difference for those people who matter to you most. It’s never too early to make a
Will but it’s often left too late.
Threat to Personal Wealth
There are many threats to personal wealth and the family home.
Complicated or broken family relationships can create the biggest challenge; not facing up to them and dealing now with the ultimate difficulties they could cause will only make the outcome worse. By addressing them now we put ourselves in control of how our wealth is ultimately distributed and give ourselves the peace of mind which comes with knowing that we have done our best for those we care for most.
We should all be aware of the threats to our wealth - ‘we don’t know what we don’t know’ – and too often they catch out those of us who have not planned for the expected knocks of life let alone the unexpected ones which can happen at any age. One example is that of preparing for the possibility of going into long term care. One in four women and one in six men may require some form of long term care yet thousands of homes are sold each year to pay for it. Why? Because of lack of planning and taking appropriate action now.
We will highlight these threats, clarify your position in relation to them and help you plan ahead to preserve your wealth and the value of your home.
Living wills
(advanced decision)
A Living Will enables you to do two things in advance of the time when you might be unable to do them yourself. Firstly, to say how you wish to be cared for and what treatments you do or don’t want to receive should you be unable to communicate your wishes. Secondly, to nominate people (normally your closest family or friends) who must be consulted by your medical team in uncertain situations before any decision is made on your behalf about further treatment.