A will makes a difficult time easier for those we leave behind
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
Published: 14 February 2009 Source: Edinburgh Evening News
‘Ensure your family are cared for when you are gone’, says Lianne Lodge a solicitor at Pagan Osborne. Reading the story this week about the mother-of-five who sadly passed away from an aneurysm two days after giving birth not only brought a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye, but it also demonstrated why having a will in place is important. There are common misconceptions surrounding the topic of wills, as many people think they don’t need one and their family will automatically know what to do in the event of their death. However, leaving a will is an extremely considerate thing to do, making a difficult time slightly easier for those left behind.
Many people assume that their assets and estate will automatically go to their partner or spouse. However, that is not necessarily the case, as, depending on your assets and whether or not you have children, your parents/siblings may inherit a share. Indeed, if you are not married to your partner, there is no guarantee that he or she would receive any of your estate. If you have children, it is important to ensure that your wishes for them would be carried out after you are gone, and a will can give those left behind such guidance. You should particularly be thinking about making a will if you have recently come into money, started living with someone or had a child, as it clearly states in black and white who is entitled to what.
In the tragic case of Wendy Anderson, she was clearly devoted to her family and took the time to ensure her children were adequately provided for after her death. In her will, she stated that each of her five children will be entitled to a share of her £3.3 million fortune when they reach the age of 30.
Had she not had a will, each of her children would have been entitled to their share of her estate on their 16th birthday. This is an age that many parents think is too young, as teenagers are more likely to spend their inheritance on materialistic items, instead of using it as a mechanism towards paying for an education, purchasing a property or investing in their future. Although the majority of us tend not to think about dying, it happens to us all, and we need to make sure that our family will be cared for when we are gone. Having a will should not be something that fills us with dread or that we put off – it is simply a piece of paper that sets out your wishes and should bring you piece of mind.
