Wills

A will Is obviously an important document. It sets out your final wishes and dictates what you want to happen to your possessions after you’re gone. As such, we recommend taking expert advice from a qualified will solicitor when writing it. Anyone can write a will but only a solicitor can advise on the legal ramifications and how to write a valid, legally binding will that does exactly what you want it to.

Writing a will

Writing a will is not as easy as writing “I leave X to Y” and tucking it in a drawer.

In order to be legally binding, a will must meet certain criteria. It must be signed (attested) and witnessed, and must be laid down on paper. In order for your wishes to be absolutely respected, it may be necessary to insert complicated clauses, for instance clauses detailing what happens in the event of the death of another to whom you have left property or money. There is also the issue of Inheritance Tax. A good solicitor will advise you how to minimise your inheritance tax liability.

Dying without a will

If you die without a will you are said to die ‘intestate’ and your property is divided according to the law of intestacy. The law prescribes how the property is to be divided according to family relationships – it takes no account of how you might have wished your property to be divided or of how good (or bad!) these relationships might be. The only way to control what happens to your property is to write a will.

Writing a will ensures that your final wishes are put into practice and can help loved ones at a very difficult time. Contact Hennessy Bowie for advce on writing, altering or revoking a will.

Contact our wills solicitors

Call Hennessy Bowie on 0141 762 4040 or click here to make an online enquiry.