Many people delay making a will, believing it’s only necessary if you have significant wealth or property.
But in fact, making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected after your death.
Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to strict legal rules called the rules of intestacy – not necessarily how you’d like. Friends, unmarried partners or stepchildren could end up with nothing unless specifically named in a valid will.
If you’re not married or in a registered civil partnership, your partner won’t automatically inherit from you without a will – potentially leaving them financially vulnerable.
A will allows you to name guardians for your children if you die while they are under 18, avoiding uncertainty and disputes at a difficult time.
With the right advice, a will can help reduce the amount of inheritance tax your estate pays, preserving more for your beneficiaries. While you can write a will yourself, errors can lead to disputes or make the will invalid. It’s often safer to use a solicitor. Some trade unions or charities offer free or low-cost will writing services.
You should consider who your beneficiaries will be, any charitable gifts, guardians for children, and who will act as your executors. Keep your will up to date when circumstances change and store it somewhere secure – at home, with your solicitor, or through the government’s storage service. Let your executors know where it is.
Making a will is not just about money – it’s about peace of mind, for you and for those you leave behind. For more guidance, speak to a solicitor or visit the Law Society website.
For those needing help, the Citizens Advice North Herts website is available 24/7 at www.northhertscab.org.uk, offering trusted, up-to-date advice on a wide range of issues.
To stay connected and up to date with local services, residents can follow Citizens Advice North Herts on social media:
Instagram: @citizensadvicenorthherts
Facebook: @northhertscab
For personalised advice, you can get in touch by phone, email, or by attending a local drop-in session. In Royston, advisers are available at the Town Hall on Monday and Wednesday mornings, from 9.30am to 12 noon. The service is also available at the Melbourn Community Hub on Wednesdays, from 9.30am to 11.30am.
To speak to someone or arrange a call-back, you can leave a message by phoning 01462 689801, and a member of the team will respond as soon as possible.
Citizens Advice North Herts is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers, including advisers, receptionists, and fundraisers, who make this vital work possible. Those interested in volunteering or supporting the charity can find out more at: www.northhertscab.org.uk/volunteer | www.northhertscab.org.uk/support-us
Together, we can ensure no one in our community faces problems alone.
