Rawlinsons Top Tips for...Writing a will

If you die without leaving a will (intestate), the law sets out who should deal with your affairs and who inherits your estate. Not only can this make the process more drawn out it can cause further grief and worry for your family.

Writing a will isn’t simply about deciding who you should leave your assets to. A properly drawn up will is a powerful planning tool, and one which puts you firmly in control.
As such, it’s not something you can pull together in an hour. Serious thought needs to be given to what is and isn’t included: remember the document will be your legacy.
Things to consider when writing your will:

- Protecting your family by making provisions to meet their future financial needs
- Minimising taxes that might reduce the size of your estate
- Naming an experienced executor who is capable of ensuring that your wishes are carried out
- Naming a trusted guardian for your children
- Providing for any special needs of specific family members
- Including gifts to charity
- Establishing trusts to manage the deferral of the inheritance of any beneficiaries
- Ensuring the peace of mind of knowing that your family and other heirs will receive according to your express wishes
- Making arrangements for any business interests you may have

Rawlinsons is a firm of Chartered Accountants, Business and Tax Advisers providing a complete range of accounting, business, taxation and specialist services to more than 3,000 clients.
The Peterborough-based firm has seven partners, a 60-strong team and 70 years of history.
www.rawlinsons.co.uk
Julie.bloodworth@rawlinsons.co.uk
01733 568321