Ten reasons for making a Will

There are lots of benefits to writing or updating your Will. These are our top ten reasons for doing it today.

Our top ten reasons for making a Will

1. Provide for your loved ones

A Will ensures that your money and assets go to the people who matter most to you after your death. As well as providing for your friends and family, you can also support causes close to your heart with a gift in your Will.

2. Reduce the chances of dispute

One of the best reasons to make a Will is that it puts you in charge of what happens to your assets and estate. Outlining your wishes in a legally binding document means there is less chance of a dispute.

3. Protect your partner if you're not married

If you and your partner aren't married or in a civil partnership they have no right to inherit your estate after you die, unless you leave it to them in your Will. 

4. Decide who will look after your children

You can specify who you would like to take care of your children after you're gone. Without a Will, the court will choose your children's carers from family members or state-appointed guardians.

5. Don’t pay more inheritance tax than you need to

Writing a Will can help to reduce the amount of inheritance tax that has to be paid on your estate. 

6. Change your Will as life changes

Just because you choose to make a Will at a certain time of your life doesn't mean that you are tied to it forever. As life changes with major events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or the purchase of a property, you can change your Will to suit your new circumstances.

7. Protect your pets

You can use your Will to make provisions for your pets after you're gone, including choosing a guardian for them. 

8. Safeguard your home

You may have specific wishes for who should inherit your home after your death. Stating this on your Will can help to avoid disputes between family members over the property.

9. Be prepared for the future 

Writing a Will means that you know your loved ones will be taken care. A Will can provide clarity, comfort and peace of mind during a difficult time. It's never too early, or too late, to write a Will. 

10. Leave money to charity

Once you have provided for your loved ones, you may want to leave a gift in your Will to support causes close to your heart. Your generosity can live on and make a lasting impact.

After you’ve provided for your loved ones in your Will, we would be enormously grateful if you would consider leaving a percentage of whatever is left to Blind Veterans UK.