West Dorset Magazine - January 2024

When there's a will, there's peace of mind

End-of-life planning is a topic which is hard to address and easy to put off. Many people find it challenging to make a Will or think about making a Will as it can raise some difficult issues and questions. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many of us to think about our lives, and life in the future. Many will have thought about the need to make a will or review an existing one.

Here is a reminder of what may happen if you don't have a will and why it’s good to have one in place.

If you don’t have a will, all sorts of complications can occur following your passing, not least that those you love may not be provided for at all, or maybe those you would prefer not to inherit what you have worked for will be in line to inherit everything. Even something as simple as making arrangements for your pets can be dealt with in your will – something most of us would not want to leave to chance.

It might surprise you to know that you do not need a face-to-face meeting to discuss arrangements for your will. This can be done on the telephone, by email or by video call.

Following your instructions to make your will, we can email (or post) a draft to you for your consideration. We can make any amendments at that point and then discuss how to finalise your will.

Once finalised, two witnesses are required to your signature, this can be carried out in our offices in Dorchester.

You may be asking yourself if your Will needs to be professionally prepared or whether you can use a more ‘DIY’ option. Almost without exception, a professionally drafted Will is the better option. When using solicitors, not only can you be confident that your estate will pass according to your wishes and instructions, but you will be guided in thinking about your assets and family circumstances to ensure that all matters are appropriately dealt with.

We are happy to discuss your requirements with regard to your will, or estate planning.

If you have a will already, but you would like to update it, or have never made a will before and would like to, then please contact us for further advice on 01305 819696 or via email at info@pharaohlaw.co.uk