How to Get Making a Will Off Your ‘To Do List’
We know that almost half of UK adults do not have a Will in place. It can be a task that remains on people’s radar for some time without ever quite making it to the top of their agenda. So how can we help change that?
New research from the Association of Lifetime Lawyers found that 48% of adults over 30 have making a Will on their to-do list. Furthermore, 43% said that it has been on their to-do list for over a year.
Many people understand the importance of having a Will in place and know that it is something they should get around to sorting, but yet it still lingers on the to-do list for thousands of people each year. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes an unexpected loss or health scare to provoke someone to make their Will.
In this blog, we take a look at the most common reasons why people have not made a Will yet and give you some solutions and motivations to help get you started.
Hurdle 1: It’s Just Not a Priority
We are a nation of busy people. There are likely to be more pressing matters on your endless list of life admin – whether it’s renewing your car insurance, booking a dentist appointment or paying the water bill. There just doesn’t ever seem to be enough hours in the day to get through everything and ‘making a Will’ is something that feels easier to push to the bottom when things become overwhelming.
The trouble is, we know that death is inevitable, and we never know when we could suddenly become seriously ill or die in an accident. So making a Will really isn’t something that should be put off. Especially if you have young children, dependents or complicated family circumstances.
Action: Put a deadline on making a Will and stick to it. Even if you give yourself 6 months to get it sorted, you can book an appointment months in advance, so that you know it will be addressed. It's easy to put things off if there isn’t a hard deadline.
Hurdle 2: Affordability
Most people are conscious about their spending and must make careful choices each month. There is a cost involved in making a Will, but it is probably cheaper than you think. Our straightforward, single Wills start from £240. Unless you have any major changes of circumstance, then you won’t need to change or make a new Will.
You really cannot put a price on the peace of mind that having a Will gives you. Once made, you will leave in the knowledge that your loved ones are adequately and fairly provided for, that any special requests or preferences will be taken care of, and that your inheritance tax bill will be minimised.
Action: Speak to us for an estimate based on your personal circumstances, then tuck away an affordable amount each month until you have saved up. If you are keen to make a Will, but are concerned about affordability, you can keep an ear to the ground for any charity Will Week’s or special campaigns. This is a good opportunity to benefit from a free or reduced price Will, whilst supporting a charitable cause.
Hurdle 3: Don’t Know Where to Start
Sometimes the process can seem overwhelming and therefore, people bury their heads in the sand rather than taking action. At Bell Lamb & Joynson, we start the process with a simple conversation to find out more about your circumstances including your different assets, your family situation, and your wishes.
Action: Watch this short video from Age UK about making a Will. It will explain the initial steps to take, but essentially – speak to a trusted Solicitor.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/legal-issues/making-a-will/
Hurdle 4: I Have Plenty of Time to Make a Will Because I’m Young
This is a really common reason why people do not make a Will. The trouble is life can be cruel and take people at any age. Whilst, if you are fit and healthy, you should be able to wait until later in life, that isn’t guaranteed. If you are living with a Partner and are not married, or have young children, there are risks that your property or estate will not necessarily be managed in the way you would have wanted.
Action: Rethink your age. There are numerous reasons why you should make a Will in your 20’s or 30’s. Give yourself a deadline to make your Will by a certain date and take proactive steps to make it happen.
How Can We Help?
If you are ready to write your Will or would like some more information first, our friendly team can help you through the process and help you get your affairs in order.
Being a full, accredited member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, Jessica Flaherty, Head of Wills & Probate, is able to provide specialist support and advice for older, vulnerable people and their families or carers.
We are transparent with costs and are always happy to work at your pace.
To discuss making a Will, please call us on 03444 124348 or email contact@bljsolicitors.co.uk. We have welcoming offices in Liverpool, Maghull, Runcorn and Warrington – or if you need us to come to you, we can offer a home visit.
We look forward to helping you strike off ‘making a Will’ from your to-do list and giving you peace of mind that your loved ones will be protected and provided for when you are gone.