WILLS & PROBATE CHATHAM

MAKING A WILL IN CHATHAM

Making a Will is essential if the worse was to happen, it would give your loved ones a clear statement of your last wishes, it lets you decide what happens to your assets (money, property and possessions) after death.

Simply by having an up-to-date Will this makes the whole process easier for family and friends to deal with your estate during an often already challenging time. Without making a Will, unnecessary tax may have to be paid or your estate may even pass to the Government after your death.

Writing a Will is especially important if you have children or family members who depend on you financially, this will allow you to make provisions for them. If you were to die without a Will, statute dictates your possessions are distributed – your assets may not automatically pass to your spouse, partner and/or your children.

Everyday people die in Chatham, Kent and the UK. Many bereaved families face the problems of Intestacy (dying without a legally valid Will). Assuming that their possessions will automatically pass onto their spouse or other family members. Unfortunately this can cause immediate financial hardship, simply because no Will had been written.

If you already have a Will in place, Gov.uk recommends you review your Will every five years and after any major change in your life. For example getting married (this cancels any Will you made before) or having a child. For changes you should make a new Will, this will in turn revoke any previous Wills.