Do something for charity this November

Published: 02/11/2011

Making a Will is often a taboo subject, with the general consensus that it only applies to those with money to protect.  Assets and possessions of non-monetary value are commonly most precious to people, yet are often the last things to be considered when planning for the future.

The importance of a Will has never been greater than in the modern era, where family set-ups have evolved and can be very diverse. More people re-marry and acquire step-children in addition to their own and, if they pass away, it’s the new spouse and ultimately step-children that benefit in the absence of a Will.

We as an industry need to highlight existing intestacy rules to make Will writing more commonplace.  There are countless examples where inheritance on intestacy is seen as unfair, such as when the biological parents of a child put into care at a young age can receive that child’s assets in the event of death.

People must be made aware of these vagaries so the responsibility for money, property and even pets is vested in those they would choose.

Will Aid is a charity scheme being run throughout November which sees law firms like ourselves writing a Will in exchange for a donation to the charity, and help to address these issues.  The money goes to good causes such as NSPCC and Age UK and hopefully makes positive of a typically sombre process.

Content correct at time of publication