Bridge McFarland - Union Clients

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Why make a Will?

You can:

·         Choose who you want to deal with your assets after your death

·         Appoint guardians for young children

·         Leave money to your favourite charities

·         Take inheritance tax advice

·         Ensure that those people you want to inherit (your beneficiaries) are provided for

·         Set up trusts for disabled or vulnerable beneficiaries

·         Feel confident that your Will  has been correctly drawn up, signed and witnessed

If you have no Will, the law writes one for you. This type of Will does not allow unmarried partners or stepchildren to inherit, and only allows your spouse to inherit the first £250,000 plus half of the rest (£450,000 if you have no children).

Beware the home-made Will. It is often said with truth that lawyers make far more money from sorting out the aftermath of home-made Wills, than they do from drawing up professional Wills. There are many things to consider when making a Will, some of which are obvious and some which are not. Unless your circumstances and finances are very simple, a home-made Will may make matters worse.

Many people are put off making a Will because they think it will be expensive, complicated, or alternatively they just don’t want to think about it. In reality, with someone to help you make your Will it is not complicated. You will feel much better knowing that you have not left your loved ones with a mess to sort out in the event of your death.

Why make a Will with Bridge McFarland?

We will help you to ensure that your Will is valid and effective, and expresses your wishes. Our experienced and qualified lawyers will guide you through the process with care and attention. Our staff include members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (www.step.org), Solicitors for the Elderly (www.solicitorsfortheelderly.com) and the Law Society Probate Section (www.probatesection.org.uk).

Making a Will is an interactive process and should be done in a face to face meeting with the chance to ask questions and discuss matters. Signing the Will should also be professionally supervised.

Before you are tempted by the £30 Will, consider that many Will writers are completely legally unqualified and uninsured. Many will be untraceable in years to come. In nearly all cases, the headline advertised rate will not be what you pay as Will writers usually levy extra charges on top of the headline rate (binding, postage, storage).

For more information, please contact a member of our team.