Wills Services

Why do I need a will?

Making a Will is important and making one is something everyone should consider. If you die without a will your estate will pass under the rules of intestacy. Your estate is all of your assets and liabilities such as property, bank accounts, valuables and any debts you may have such as loans, mortgages, debts and unpaid bills. Our expert solicitors in our Nicholas Street, Chester office are on hand to help you draft a Will that accurately reflects your wishes.

What is Intestacy?

Dying without a Will means your estate will pass to relatives in an order that may not comply with your wishes.

What do I need to think about when making a Will?

When making a Will you will need to think about who will execute your final wishes. These people are called Executors and it’s their responsibility to distribute your estate according to your Will. You can choose one or more Executor. They should be someone you trust for example, a relative who is sound of mind and over the age of 18.

Bartletts can be appointed Executor to act together with family Executors or alone.

How do I start?

It’s a good idea to draw up a list of all of your assets, including bank accounts, shares, life insurance policies, property and valuables such as jewellery. You can also include items of sentimental value that may mean something to yourself or others. Then draw up a list of liabilities, including any outstanding mortgages, overdrafts and balances on credit cards. Finally, think about the person or people you would like to benefit from what you leave behind.

What if I’m not married to my partner or not in a civil partnership?

If you’re not married and you die without a will your partner will not inherit from your estate. This could result in financial problems for the surviving partner. Making a will means you can decide how your partner and/or children will be cared for and provided for when you are gone.

Inheritance tax may be payable depending on the size of your estate. Tax planning is advised to mitigate the amount of tax payable on the inheritance.

What else should I consider?

Our specialist team of solicitors in Chester can help you to think about your own individual circumstances. In the meantime you may want to consider the following:

• Would I like a particular person to benefit from specific gifts such as jewellery,
  nominated bank accounts, specified shares or property?
• Would I like to leave a percentage of my estate to a particular person or group of
  people?
• Would I like a charity to benefit?
• Who should benefit from my residuary estate?
• Do I have any funeral wishes?
• Is there anyone who I do not wish to benefit from my estate?

For further information or advice about Wills please email advice@bartletts.co.uk