This year, Dying Matters Awareness Week takes place from the 2nd – 6th of May, encouraging people to get together and broach that uncomfortable, and often avoided, subject of death.
Understandably, it’s not a conversation that any of us like to have. The idea is morbid, and usually gets brushed aside at the first mention. However, it is important to get together and get talking, so that you and your loved ones are prepared for that time when it does come around. Subjects like dying, grief and planning for the future all need to be spoken about, to help you to move forward with life.
To help you in beginning those conversations, our private client team at Watermans have answered some common queries relating to estate planning, and what you can do to make the process as straightforward as possible for everyone involved.
To highlight the importance of getting a conversation started around death, our private client team are offering free, no obligation appointments this week to chat about Wills and Succession Planning.
Why should I make a Will?
If you have not made a Will the law will decide who will inherit your assets when you die. Your intended beneficiary may lose out and your loved ones may incur additional costs.
Although thinking about death isn’t a welcome thought, preparing a Will allows you to decide who will inherit your estate and how your assets should be distributed. A Will can help to reduce potential stress and difficulties and remove uncertainty during what will already be a very difficult time for your loved ones.
Who will look after my children if I die?
Once you have a child, it is important to ensure that you draw up or review your Will immediately. In the unfortunate circumstance of your death, the court would appoint a guardian if you died without making provision for a guardian in your Will. To ensure that your child is cared for in the way that you wish, make a Will review appointment today.
What happens to my pets when I die?
It may come as no surprise that you cannot leave any money or assets to your pet. You can, however, leave your pet to someone in your Will. You might consider it appropriate to leave a sum of money to that person for the expenses of looking after your pet, provided they accept responsibility for them.
How can I prepare for my Will appointment?
At Watermans, we are scheduling our Will appointments both in our offices and via Zoom. Before your allotted time, we ask that you think about any questions you may have regarding the creation of a Will, and that you also consider the following
- What are the addresses of the people you are likely to name in your Will?
- Do you have any children under the age of 16? Have you thought about who might be an appropriate guardian?
- Do you have any pets? Who would you like to look after them in the event of your death?
- Do you have any preferred funeral instructions?
At Watermans, we pride ourselves on the professional and confidential service that we provide to all of our clients. We understand that talking about dying, and planning for after your death, can be daunting, but we are here to help.