Have you made your Will? If you would like your wishes to be met after you have passed away, making a legally binding Will is the only way to ensure that your estate goes to the people and/or organisations you care about.
A Will removes any doubt or conflicts over who should inherit your property, possessions and other assets and protects your loved ones from financial uncertainty and unnecessary emotional trauma. A carefully planned Will can also allow you to minimise your estate’s exposure to inheritance tax.
In fact, making preparations for your passing is one of the most important financial planning issues you can undertake. If needed, an experienced solicitor will be able to guide you through the preparation of power of attorney, setting up trusts and the complex issues relating to the Court of Protection when decision-making becomes impossible due to mental incapacity.
In order for your Will to be valid, it must be made in writing and signed by yourself and two witnesses. You must have the mental capacity to make a Will and understand its implications, and you must have done so voluntarily. While there is no legal obligation to use a solicitor to draw up your Will, it is highly recommended that you consult with a Wills expert to make sure that everything is set out correctly. It’s always best to be safe than sorry, especially when you won’t be around to fix any problems.
If you haven’t made a Will yet, or you would like to make changes to your existing Will, now is a great time to take action while supporting a worthy cause at the same time. Take advantage of Make A Will Fortnight, held by St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Chichester from Monday 6th June to Friday 17th June.
Several solicitors in Chichester, Bognor Regis and the surrounding area are kindly participating in this initiative by giving their professional time and advice for FREE to help you write or amend your Will. Instead of charging you a fee, you will be asked to make an appropriate donation in support of St Wilfrid’s Hospice instead. Why not call the legal experts at one of the participating firms of solicitors to find out more and make an appointment?
St Wilfrid’s Hospice is a much loved, independent local charity that has been providing highly specialised and compassionate end-of-life care to local people for over 25 years. Over 200 patients are looked after at the Hospice itself, and many more patients are supported in the community – in local care homes, hospitals and in people’s own homes. Dedicated and highly trained staff are on hand to provide all-encompassing services including emotional, physical, practical and clinical care that extends beyond patients to their family, friends and carers.
Thanks to the generous support from donors, fundraisers and sponsors, the Hospice is able to provide all of its vital services free of charge. However, only 13% of St Wilfred’s running costs are currently financed through the NHS, and the Hospice heavily relies on the generosity of the local community to help fund the remainder. Each year, £6.7 million need to be raised to keep St Wilfrid going.
Please contact St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Chichester direct if you would like to make a donation or wish to find out more about Make A Will Fortnight.