WHY EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A WILL
For nearly 500 years the Church of England has encouraged people to make a will.
Making a will and updating it regularly is the only way to ensure your wishes are fulfilled, giving you peace of mind that you can continue to support the family, friends and causes you love.
WHAT IS A WILL?
A will is something that we hope won’t be needed for a very long time. Nevertheless, it’s a vital document which looks after the people and causes you care about after you have gone.
WHY NOW?
Everyone knows it’s a good idea to make a will.
But for many of us, it’s one of those things we never quite get around to doing, and there’s aways a reason for putting it off.
Here are some of the reasons why you should make a will. Sooner rather than later.
You chose what happens
If you do not make a will, the law will decide who receives all your assets in accordance with pre-ordained rules. These unfortunately may not coincide with your wishes.
You can take care of the children
If you have any children under the age of 18, you should appoint guardians to look after them in the event of both parent’s death. If you don’t name guardians for your children in your will, the courts will decide who will be given custody.
Your property is protected
If you and your partner are not married, he or she will not benefit from your estate unless you have specifically written it into a will.
You can reflect modern family life
Have you married or divorced since you made a will? If so, your existing will may not be valid. Remarriages can also complicate matters of inheritance and provision for children.
To reduce your inheritance tax bill
Even with recent changes in inheritance tax law, there may be large tax savings to be made by proper planning through your will.
To include a charitable gift
Once you have made provision for your loved ones, you may wish to include a gift in your will to your local church. How might your gift help meet the needs of future generation?
For peace of mind
Once you’ve made a will, you’ll know that if the unthinkable were to happen, your estate would be in order for your family – a weight off your mind.
WRITE YOUR WILL FOR FREE
The Church of England has partnered with Farewill, the UK’s favourite will writer, to offer a free online will writing service which you can do from the comfort of your home in less than 30 minutes.
This is one way of making the process of writing a will easier and keeping it updated.
A will is the only way to make sure your wishes are carried out after your death, giving you peace of mind that you can continue to support the family, friends and charities you love.
Here is the link https://farewill.com/cofe
For more information on writing a will or leaving a legacy to St John’s you can speak in confidence to our Legacy Officer David Owen.
Please contact David via the Parish Office on 0208 330 2817 or administrator@stjohnsoldmalden.org.uk