Why Should I have a Will?

Why Should I have a Will

Most people understand the need for a Will but for some reason tend to ‘put off’ to another day the making of a Will.

However a Will is a document that can give you control over what happens to your assets after you die rather than the law deciding. Suppose you are in a long term relationship, living with your unmarried partner and your children, and you have not made a Will because it is always something you have always put off until tomorrow. As you and your partner are not married, your partner would have no automatic right to receive your assets and they would in fact pass entirely to your children. Your partner may be able to make a claim under the family provision for dependants rule, but this is likely to result in Court proceedings which are costly, stressful and divisive at a time which is already emotionally difficult for the family.

Making a Will means you can:-

decide who will inherit your Estate (the distribution of your Estate should always be undertaken with the family provision for dependants rules in mind)
decide who is appointed Executor, being the person or persons who administer your Estate
decide who will be appointed Trustee and administer any Trust Funds that may arise in your Estate (for example if you have children under 18)
decide who will be guardian of your infant child(ren)
decide whether any gifts should be made to charity, family or friends (these can be monetary or personal items)
state whether you wish to be buried or cremated

The underlying message is that by having a Will you are not only controlling what you want to happen after your death you are also assisting your family in what can be a very traumatic time for them.

If you would like further information on making a Will please see the information sheet on our website. There is also a proforma available to assist you in making your decision as to what you wish to happen.

Download Proforma Here

Look at our Wills Leaflet Here

Stamp Duty Changes from 1st April 2025

In accordance with Government Announcement on the 30th October 2024 from 1st April 2025, there will be several changes coming into effect.
Please note if you complete after 1 April 2025 then these changes could impact the stamp duty rate applicable to you even if you have exchanged contracts already.

Thresholds up to 31 March 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £250,000 for residential properties
- £425,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £625,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

Thresholds from 1 April 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £125,000 for residential properties
- £300,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £500,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

You can visit the gov.uk website and search Stamp Duty Land Tax where you will find further information and a calculator to enable you to calculate the rate and amount payable.

To discuss any Conveyancing matters please contact either Donna Sandison or Laura Day of our Conveyancing Team or telephone the office 01775 722261.

Jamie Dobbs FCILEx

"I should like to take this opportunity to express my very sincere and grateful thanks for Jamie's unfailing helpfulness and efficiency in all aspects of the handling of my late stepmother's estate. Jamie have always replied to my (many!) queries promptly and comprehensively which has been a enormous help throughout what I know can be a fraught and stressful process. Sadly, it is increasingly rare these days to experience the highs standards of service that Jamie has provided."

Gemma Mayer LLB

"I would highly recommend Maples Solicitors, especially Gemma Mayer, for any conveyancing work. The level of support and professionalism was excellent at all times. I also felt if I needed to ask or clarify anything that it was not an issue. Buying and selling a house is stressful enough, but Gemma helped me through it step by step."

Anita Toal LLB BA

"I think you are brilliant. You can use my comments above. You are efficient, friendly and quite clearly very good at what you do. Mainly you don’t leave people hanging around too long for." "So easy to talk to her and she understood what I wanted. She put me at ease and I cant thank her enough"

James Turner BA

James Turner was extremely helpful with our buying process. Everything went smoothly. We are very happy with the level of professionalism demonstrated by the office. Highly recommended solicitors. Will definitely do business with them again.

Daven Naghen LLB

"Daven provided an excellent service, from attending the first interview with me to the final court appearance. He filled me full of confidence that he would defend me to which he did and come out with an excellent outcome in view of my position that I had put myself in."

Faye Blair LLB

Faye was excellent, sensitive and acted very well to the time constraints we faced. Great service and dealt with compassion at such sad times made the process less painful very professional.

Jamie Dobbs GCILEx

Over the last forty years I have cause to deal with many law firms both in a personal and professional capacity, including some ‘top’ London Companies. In all of those dealings I have never found anyone as proactive and so willing to offer help and advice as Jamie Dobbs. During the last two years Jamie guided my parents through the completion of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Helped myself with the use of the LPA and recently dealing with Probate and Estate Administration following their death.

Mike Pepper MA

Mike Pepper gave us excellent advice. He was always most helpful and accommodating giving lucid explanations every step of the way. Thank you Mike.

Donna Sandison FCILEx

Donna has been helpful and professional every step of the way during the process. Always on hand to answer any queries and totally professional and friendly at all times.

Why Should I have a Will?