v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v Page 72 • The HERALD • 3rd October 2024 ASK A PROFESSIONAL Things to Consider Before Writing Your Will by Heritage Will Writing Writing your Will can be a daunting prospect for many people and one that o en gets “put o ”, as a result. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most important things you should address in life, particularly, once you get married, have children, or start to accumulate assets of any value. We’ve found that people o en procrastinate over writing their Will because they don’t really understand what’s involved or how to go about it, so, here are a few things you need to consider that will help get you started. Whilst this article covers some of the basics, a more detailed explanation can be found by visiting www. heritagewillwriting.co.uk. Writing your Will – e Basics • You will need to appoint Executors- these are the people that will carry out the instructions in your Will. You can appoint up to four Executors, but it’s wise to appoint at least two. e Executors can also be Bene ciaries under the Will • If you have children who are under the age of 18, you’ll need to appoint Guardians. is allows you to decide who should be responsible for your children’s welfare. Guardians may also be Executors • You may wish to include a clause detailing who will take your pets, if you have any • If any assets are placed in Trust under the Will, you’ll also need to appoint Trustees. ese are the people who will look a er any assets placed in Trust • You should include any speci c instructions you have regarding your funeral arrangements. For example, do you wish to be cremated or buried? Are there any speci c requests about the Funeral Ceremony or arrangements? • You don’t need to list everything that you own in your Estate, but you do need to consider any speci c gi s that you wish to make in your Will. ese gi s will cover those personal possessions that you wish to go to speci c people - items of jewellery, for example. ese gi s may also include smaller amounts of money le to speci c people or organisations, i.e. charitable donations • Who do you want the residue of your Estate to go to? e residue of your Estate is everything le a er any speci c gi s (if any) and a er payment of all debts, taxes and expenses. You don’t need to itemise the residue, you can simply decide what portion each bene ciary is to receive, if you are naming more than one • What would happen if? is is a question you should also ask. For example, what would happen if a bene ciary were to pass away before you do? You may wish to consider appointing reserve bene ciaries to ensure that your estate goes to the right people • If in doubt, always seek professional advice If you need any help or advice in relation to writing your Will, please contact us on 023 8087 9243 or email info@heritagewillwriting.co.uk. Upcoming Oakhaven Business Club Networking Events Oakhaven Business Club runs regular networking events with local businesses across the New Forest, Waterside and Totton. Businesses can pay-as-you-go per person per session, or become an annual member for £250 with additional bene ts. Upcoming events: Tuesday 8th October, 9.30am-11.30am, New Forest Walk & Work, a 1 hour walk from Oakhaven Hospice followed by tea/co ee & cake (£15pp). Networking Gin Tasting, Tuesday 22nd October, 5pm–7pm, learn all about New Forest Distillery, 820 Spirits, including a gin tasting and speciality OAKtober cocktail, (£25pp). Thursday 14th November, 12noon–2pm, join a networking lunch at e Stag in Lyndhust, with guest speaker Kirsty Gray, who will talk about apprenticeships (£15pp). For more information about how to join the Oakhaven Business Club or to book a space for one of the networking events please visit: www. oakhavenhospice.co.uk/oakhaven-business-club
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