Herald - Issue 408

Page 54 • The HERALD • 24th June 2021 v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 15TH JULY v ASK A PROFESSIONAL When did you Last Check Your Will? by Rebecca Hatton, Scott Bailey You may be patting yourself on the back that you are one of the minority who have actually made a Will. Over half of the UK population are still without a Will, and the most recent statistics show that six in 10 parents have made no provision about what they would like to happen regarding the future care of their children in the event of their premature death. If you are in that minority who have actually considered how you would like your a airs to be managed a er your death, the question you need to ask yourself is whether it is up to date. Have you checked the details recently? Does it still re ect what you want to happen following your death? Have there been any additions to the family who should now be included such as new grandchildren for example? Is your original choice of executors still appropriate? Is it tax e cient? e process of updating a will is not complex. It may be that changes can result in a smaller share of your hard-earned wealth going to the taxman in Inheritance Tax and can give you complete peace of mind. For those who have not got round to even thinking about drawing up a Will, if this past 12 months has taught us anything it is that none of us have any idea what is round the corner. Do you really want to run the risk that someone other than the person closest to you may decide how your estate is dealt with? e person you assume to be your next of kin may have no automatic right to sort things out nor, depending on whether you are married or not, may even have the right to remain in the home a er you have gone. If you are in any doubt about your position, talk to Rebecca Hatton or another member of the Wills, Trusts and Probate team at Scott Bailey. ey are all experienced specialists who can guide you through the process of making or amending your will. Call Rebecca on: 01590 676933 or email: law@scottbailey. co.uk. Rebecca will be pleased to make a home visit if you prefer not to visit the o ce. Scott Bailey Offices in Lymington High Street New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP) offer a free weekly Business Support Hour each Wednesday at 3pm. Each week will focus on a specific topic from a local business expert. An important element of these sessions is the interaction between attending businesses. Whilst the rst half hour is focused on the chosen topic, the second half will allow businesses to share ideas, opportunities or issues. You can sign up to attend this support hour via the NFBP website : www.n p.org.uk/events NEW FOREST BUSINESS SUPPORT HOUR