3 Vital Reasons Why You Need a Will
Creating a Will might not be at the top of your to-do list, especially if you’re still in your 30s or 40s and feeling healthy.
However, life can be unpredictable, and having a legally binding Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your future.
Whether you’re starting a family, entering a new relationship, or simply looking to secure your assets, making a Will is crucial to ensuring your wishes are honoured.
At Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors, we regularly help clients understand the importance of keeping their Wills up to date and the potentially life-changing consequences of not having one.
Here are three key reasons why you should make sure your Will is in place and up to date.
1 – Protect Your Children and Their Inheritance with an Up-to-Date Will
If you’re a parent, your top priority is, of course, your children’s well-being. But did you know that without a Will, you have no control over who looks after them or how their inheritance is managed?
Under UK law, if you pass away without a valid Will, the courts decide who will become the legal guardians of your children and how your assets are divided—potentially leading to outcomes that may not align with your wishes.
By having a Will, you can:
- Name guardians for your children, ensuring they are cared for by someone you trust.
- Protect their inheritance by specifying how and when they should receive it, and who will manage it until they come of age.
- Avoid family disputes by making your wishes clear.
Having an up-to-date Will guarantees that your children’s future is secure, both emotionally and financially, without any ambiguity.
2 – Have You Remarried? Ensure Your Children From a Previous Marriage Are Protected
Did you know that your Will is automatically revoked when you get married? Many people are unaware that a second marriage cancels any previous Wills, which can lead to unintended consequences.
For example, if you’ve remarried and have children from a previous relationship, those children could unintentionally be left out of your estate.
Without an updated Will, your new spouse would inherit everything under the UK’s intestacy rules, meaning your children from your previous marriage might not receive anything. This could lead to:
- Unintentional exclusion of your children from your estate.
- Potential legal battles between your surviving spouse and your children.
To avoid these complications, it’s vital to update your Will after remarriage. A solicitor can help you create a balanced plan that provides for your new spouse while still ensuring that your children from a previous relationship receive the inheritance you want them to have.
3 – Cohabiting? Protect Your Partner and Home with a Will
Living with a partner but not married? If so, it’s important to understand that UK law does not automatically provide for cohabiting partners when it comes to inheritance.
This means that if you pass away without a Will, your partner won’t have any legal claim to your estate, even if you’ve been living together for decades.
Without a Will in place, the estate could end up going to distant relatives you may not have had contact with for years, leaving your partner in a precarious financial situation. A Will allows you to:
- Ensure your partner is taken care of, including giving them rights to your shared home.
- Avoid legal complications, such as disputes with other family members over the estate.
If you want your partner to inherit your assets, including your home, you must put this in writing through a Will.
Our advice is simple – Don’t leave it to chance – make or update your will today
Writing a Will isn’t just about money or property—it’s about peace of mind.
It ensures that your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes and prevents the risk of unnecessary legal battles or disputes.
Whether you’re a parent, a newlywed, or part of a long-term cohabiting couple, having a valid, up-to-date Will is the best way to safeguard your family’s future.
At Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors, we understand that discussing these topics can feel overwhelming, but our friendly and experienced team is here to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.
Emma Feathers, one of our expert solicitors, offers a free initial meeting to discuss your Will and how we can help protect your loved ones and your assets.
To arrange your free initial meeting with Emma, call us on 01792 863633 or email us at [email protected] today.
Take control of your future—make a Will and ensure that you prevent legal problems.