Partners Married / Civil Partnered couples

Even if you are married or in a civil partnership, your spouse is not automatically entitled to everything from your estate under the law. Imagine if they only inherit a percentage of the house, life policy, savings etc and end up co-owning the rest with wider family members? In order to override this situation, you must make a Will naming them as you sole/main beneficiary.

Co-habiting partners

Your co-habiting partner is not automatically entitled to anything from your estate as the relationship is not recognised in law.
If you want them to be protected in the event of your death, you must make a Will naming them as your beneficiary.

Co-Children Under 18

Guardians: The only way you get to legally appoint Guardians for your young children is to do it through a Will. Without this instruction – anyone can throw their hat in the ring – Most parents are not prepared to risk the wrong choice!
Age of Inheritance: You can also choose the age at which they get access to their inheritance to ensure they only gain control of significant cash & assets at the most appropriate time.
If you want them to be protected in the event of your death, you must make a Will naming your Guardians and age of inheritance.

Co-Children Under 18

If you are separated but not yet divorced, under the law your estranged spouse is still entitled to the entire estate (if there are no living children or grandchildren) or the first £275,000 plus 50% of everything else (if you do have living children / grandchildren).
If you are separated from each other, there’s a good chance you no longer wish them to benefit in any way from the things that you leave behind.
In order to override this situation, you must make a Will naming who you do wish to benefit from your estate.

Complicated Family Structures

If you have a more complex family structure i.e. children from a previous relationship or stepchildren, it is vital that a Will is in place to ensure they all get the share of the estate that you intend to gift to them. Otherwise, the estate will be distributed under the law and often this leads to “survival of the fittest” between spouses and partners.

Complicated Family Structures

If you have a vulnerable dependent who:

• Struggles to manage finances independently
• Can be unduly influenced by 3rd parties
• Is reliant on any means tested benefits

Providing them with a direct legacy can have a serious, adverse consequence for them and any means tested incomes will be lost.

You can still provide your legacy to vulnerable dependents but it is essential that you take advice about how best to do this using tools that are only available through a Will to ensure they get the most out of their inheritance and without losing valuable allowances and income sources. We can help you to navigate your way through the options you have available to you.

Family Disputes

It's difficult enough when a parent dies and family disputes make it more difficult. Having a Will enables you to have a clear plan of action that suits you, your Spouse/partner and your beneficiaries.

Family Disputes

Having a business or a share in a business often means the income from that business dies with you unless you have an agreement in place. The capital value of the business often decreases on many occasions as the Spouse becomes the beneficiary by default and is vunerable if not experienced in the business functions.This can be resolverd by a shareholders agreement and/or a Will.