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Why Do I Need a Will? Ten Reasons To Make a Will

As we grow older, the thought of our loved ones not benefitting from our assets can be frightening. Fortunately, wills provide a method of ensuring that our families can benefit long after we’re gone. However, you may be wondering: why do I need a will? Why is it important to make a will? And, what are the benefits of making a will?


To help you learn more, we have compiled this list of 10 reasons to make a will. We will discuss their importance, requirements, and the various terms found within them.


1. Upholding Your Wishes

A will is the sole method of verifying what happens to your estate once you die; they outline who receives your money, land and property as decided by yourself.


No one is able to change the terms of your will, thus making them a certified way of guaranteeing your wants and desires.


2. Caring For Your Family

Wills allow you to put measures in place to ensure that your family is looked after once you are gone. This can be through designating who is able to live in your home, or by granting specific amounts of money to different people.


Without a will, your family will not benefit from any of these things as they officially become the state’s property.


3. Avoiding Conflict

A will can help avoid potential conflict amongst family members by offering a clearly written portrayal of an individual’s preferences. This can help avoid unnecessary arguments during an already difficult period, allowing people to grieve in peace.


4. Flexibility

Up until you die, a will can be amended as many times as you wish. As life’s circumstances alter, this flexibility can allow you to make small or large adjustments as necessary.


5. Looking After Children

A will can allow you to certify who looks after your children when you die. This provides peace of mind to parents of children who haven’t yet reached adulthood and so need structure in place in the event of the worst happening.


6. Leaving Funeral Preferences

Organising a funeral is an emotionally challenging process. By providing instructions for your funeral in your will, you can significantly reduce the strain on your loved ones that you leave behind.


Despite these instructions holding no legal grounds, they do offer some guidance as to how you wish to be remembered. You could also consider arranging a funeral plan.


7. Providing Peace of Mind

Death is shrouded with uncertainty. While nobody quite knows what happens after they die, a will can help provide peace of mind to both you and your family.


Not only can you rest in the knowledge that your demands will be adhered to, your loved ones will be better able to understand your preferences even when you’re not there to tell them.


8. Legally Enforceable

Many of the terms found within a will are legally valid and can be upheld by law. This means that if an executor does not appropriately carry out a will’s demands, they can be challenged by any associated beneficiaries and potentially be removed.


9. Giving Charitable Gifts

If there’s a certain charity that you wish to donate to after you die, a will allows you to give a tax-free donation of your assets.


These can be monetary or otherwise, and can allow you to further benefit the lives of many other people in your absence.


10. Streamlining The Process

Having a will can avoid a potentially lengthy process of probate. This can allow your family to save time which can be used for more important things like dealing with grief and planning for their own future.





Nobody enjoys the idea of death and families do not like to talk about this, but thankfully, writing a will can prove immensely beneficial to those you love. We hope that this post has given you some useful information on the importance of making a will.


What is Shaw Lifetime Care?

We are a charity owned company that brought the Care and Home Inheritance Plan to life. Also known as 'The CHIP', it lets you pay for your care home without selling your home so that you can one day pass it on to your children, grandchildren, or other beneficiaries.

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