If you die without a Will (‘intestate’), the law decides who benefits from your Estate. Making a Will lets you decide and formalise what happens to your money, property and possessions after your death. In addition, a Will can assist in ensuring your estate does not pay more Inheritance Tax than you need to.

A Will should include such details as who you want to benefit from your Estate (‘Beneficiaries’); who should care for any children under the age of 18 (‘Guardians’); who will carry out your wishes after you have died (‘Executors’); along with what happens if any of your Beneficiaries die before you do.

Planning and preparing a Will may seem to be a daunting process. AWP Legal will talk you through each step and explain the implications for you and your loved ones. Do you have children under the age of 18? Do you have one or more properties? Do you own a business? Do you have any family members or relatives who may contest your decisions? Do you live outside the UK? These are just some of the reasons why you need to involve an estate planning professional.

Will it be necessary to incorporate a Trust into your Will – to protect your loved ones and your assets, whilst minimising any potential Inheritance Tax liability?

Any updates to a Will can be made using a codicil. However, depending on the update, it may be more appropriate to produce a new Will.