5 minute read
LEGAL
Young adults and the importance of making a Will
Tricia Longmore and the wills, trusts and probate team provide effective and proactive guidance when dealing with estates and estate planning.
Artemis House, 4 Bramley Road Milton Keynes MK1 1PT
The above information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Heald Solicitors disclaims and excludes any liability in respect of the contents of this article or for action taken based on this information. If you need legal advice, please contact a solicitor. Research shows that 70% of the population do not have a Will with adults between the ages of 18 and 34 the biggest offenders.
The main reasons that young adults give for not writing a Will are that they are for older people, they don’t have a lot to leave, and death is a long way off, so they don’t need to plan for it.
So why is a Will important? A Will is the only way to make sure that your possessions go to the people and causes you care about.
If you die without a Will, you die intestate, and the law decides where your assets go. It also means that there may be more work for your family to do to wind up your affairs.
Wrong. The law states that if you die without a spouse or children, your estate will pass to your parents equally, regardless of whether you have a relationship with them or not.
Wrong. Under the intestacy rules, your partner is not entitled to anything. They may even end up having to claim against your estate for financial support.
Wrong. If you have a child, you will want to state who looks after that child if you were to die. If you do not appoint guardians to look after your children, the court may have to become involved, and they may appoint someone who you would not have chosen.
You may have more than you think. You may have insurance through your place of work or life insurance.
Wills aren’t just to pass on money and property though. Through a Will you can appoint people to administer your estate, set out what kind of funeral you would like, make sure the care of your children is undertaken by someone you chose, make sure any pets you have are provided for and looked after, make gifts to charities, and leave your possessions to the people you wish them to go to. You can even set out what happens to your social media and other online accounts.
No one knows what the future holds, so it is a good idea to have something in place so you can relax knowing that your loved ones are aware of your wishes and your money and possessions are going to go where you want them to. Once you reach the age of 18, you can make a Will and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
What do I need to do? Ask yourself some questions and write some notes:
• Who do I want to inherit my money and possessions? • What do I want each person to get? • Do I want to leave anything to charity? • Do I have special funeral wishes such as music, a party, an environmentally friendly funeral or colour theme?
Make a list of people you trust to act as:
• Your executors, these are the people who will administer your estate and make sure the right people get the right things • Guardians for any children • People who will look after your pets.
Then speak to our friendly team, and we will write a simple Will for you clearly setting out your wishes.
WED 14th DEC ‘22
Wicksteed Park Christmas
Extravaganza Price: £60 per person Includes entrance fee and Christmas lunch. With over 30 costume changes, stunning vocalists and dancers from West End shows such as Les Misérables, Oklahoma, Miss Saigon & Carousel. The very best variety and comedy performers around, there’s something for everyone- whether you want to join in the festive sing along or not! You will be served a delicious Christmas lunch before this seasonal slice of entertainment begins. Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 10am and leaves Wicksteed Park at 4.15pm.
WED 1ST FEB ‘23
Brick Lane Music Hall Pantomime - Goldilocks & The Three bears
*Adults only* Price: £75 per person Includes entrance fee and lunch. Brick Lane music hall is a delightfully unique and intimate theatre venue andThis year’s panto is Goldilocks & The Three bears. With a variety of singing and comedy with plenty of atmosphere and audience feedback all set in a charming Grade II+ building. Before the show you’ll be served a delicious lunch. *Please make us aware of any dietary requirements at booking* Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at10am and leaves London at 5.15pm.
MON 19th DEC ‘22
Brick Lane Music Hall Jingle Bell Christmas Show
Price: £75 per person Includes entrance & lunch. Brick Lane music hall is a delightfully unique and intimate theatre venue. This Christmas show offers a variety of singing and comedy with plenty of atmosphere and audience feedback all set in a charming Grade II+ building. Before the show you’ll enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch. *Please make us aware of any dietary requirements at booking* Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 10am and leaves London at 5.15pm.
MON 13th FEB ‘23
London Museums/London Leisure Day
Price: £25 per person. *Free entry into all museums, but please check each museum website as you may need to book an entry time* Come face to face with dinosaur skeletons and discover fascinating exhibits from the natural world at the Natural History Museum, experience the wonders of science first hand at the Science Musem or visit the Victoria & Albert Museum and see one of the greatest collections of art and design objects in the world. The coach will drop you on Cromwell Road (outside The National History Museum) all three museums are within walking distance of each other. Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 8.30am and leaves London at 5.30pm.
daytrips@billscoachhire.co.uk | www.billscoachhire.co.uk Call 01908 613000
