Written by: Jason

Category: Will Writing

Published: 23rd April 2013

Common Excuses For Not Making A Will

Many people put off making a Will for various reasons or excuses. Excuses are a result of a natural defence mechanism linked to the fear of doing something that you either don’t want to think about. Or have a lack of understanding on how to move forward with the confidence that you are doing the right thing to protect your bloodline.

Here are some of the most common excuses people have for not making a Will. Along with information on why these shouldn’t become a barrier when looking to protect your family and assets.

My partner will automatically get everything – I don’t need a Will

This is not always the case; partners who are not legally married may receive nothing. Without a Will, the laws of intestacy determine who will benefit from your estate.

For example, If you die without making a Will and you are separated but not divorced, your spouse will still inherit regardless of your intentions. However, an unmarried partner would get nothing as your estate would be open to claim from bloodline relatives.

Also, consider what would happen if you both die at once.

My circumstances are about to change

Life is constantly changing; you may be getting Married, Divorced, moving House or having more Children, whilst these events could affect your Will.

They should not stop you from making a Will. Often Wills can be written to cater for things that are about to happen, for example in contemplation of marriage, or to give everything to children who survive you by referring to them as your children in general as opposed to naming them individually.

It’s a good idea to review your will after every major change in your life to ensure your Will still expresses your current wishes. You can change your Will any time you want; as you grow older you accrue more assets and therefore increase potential inheritance tax liability.

It costs too much to make a will

People often overestimate the cost of a making a Will, with a basic Single Will costing around £95 and a Mirror Will £150. It is more affordable than you think to put your mind at rest knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of. Dying without a Will can cost much more in the long run, both financially and emotionally.

I’m too young to make a will

Wills are not just for older adults. If you have children under the age of eighteen, you need a will to ensure those assets go to your children and more importantly who should look after your children in the event of your death.

Accidents and illness happen when you least expect, often nowadays I hear the phrases like “live today like it is your last” or “you only live once“ this is a positive statement to remind us to get the best out of life as we don’t know what’s around the corner. With a Will in place whatever is around the corner, you won’t leave your families inheritance to fate.

My family situation is too complicated

It is rare nowadays for family situations not to be complicated, however this only highlights the importance of making a Will, It is vital to discuss the areas that you feel may complicate matters and get the correct advice, most Will Writers offer a free initial meeting or consultation so that you can consider all of your options and make an informed decision.

Without a Will in place your wishes cannot be carried out this will pass the complications on to your bloodline.

I don’t have the time

Making a Will doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time. If you use a professional Will Writer they will do the work for you. Making a Will saves your family and friends much more, time, trouble and expense after your death.

I can’t decide whether to make a basic will or use Wills and Trusts

A basic Will is an absolute gift to a chosen beneficiary or beneficiaries and is fine if your wishes are straightforward and you don’t want to protect your estate from timely and costly probate, debt collectors, bankruptcy, inheritance tax and divorce settlements.

A Trust can also help you Protect your home from being sold to pay for care. The trust acts as a safe deposit box for your assets and instead of the estate going to probate. The proceeds of your estate are directed to the trust and are afforded protection by the trust. You can read more on the differences between basic Wills and Wills and trusts here:- www.mindatrest.co.uk/blog/standard-wills-versus-wills-trusts

I haven’t got much to leave

Often when people take time to sit down and work this out they find they own more than they think. But even if you do have relatively little, but you have minor children. The most important reason for making a will is to select a guardian for them should you and your spouse, if any, die at the same time.

Your assets are also likely to increase as you accumulate more throughout your life. A Will can ensure these future assets go to the right people and cause less emotional stress at the time of your death.

I don’t want to think about dying

Nobody wants to think about dying. As the saying goes “life is for living” but what happens if you put off making your will? At the very worst the people you care about most will receive nothing and the state will get it all. Spending a little time on planning and making your will can ensure those that your loved ones and bloodline are protected.

When you make a will, everything you have worked hard for is protected; your assets will go to exactly the people you want to have them.

Remember you only live once and so do your beneficiaries. Making a Will is the only way to ensure that your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected throughout the generations. Why not take the first step and talk to us about your wishes as part of our free Will consultation.

www.mindatrest.co.uk