Insights
Wills Month: Secure Your Legacy with CJCH Solicitors
Secure Your Legacy – Focus on Wills and charitable giving this October
Thinking about the future can be daunting, but planning for it ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for. October marks the start of a charitable Wills campaign, an initiative designed to help you take this critical step with confidence and clarity. We are pleased to announce that our Bridgend office is to take part in this campaign. This is the perfect opportunity for those aged 55 or over to move forward with having a simple Will written or updated by a professional solicitor, ensuring peace of mind for the future.
This campaign not only provides reassurance that your wishes will be respected, but also offers a chance to support charities that are close to your heart. At CJCH Solicitors, our expert Private Client Team is here to help you write your Will and advise on Estate planning, making sure your legacy is protected in accordance with your wishes.
Why is Having a Will So Important?
A Will is one of the most significant documents you will ever create. It is a legally binding document that records your directions for how your estate, property, money, and possessions should be distributed after your death. Without one, the default laws apply , which may not align with your intentions.
The benefits of making a Will are clear:
- Ensures Your Wishes Are Respected: You decide who inherits your assets, preventing potential disputes among family members.
- Ensures Someone You Trust Will Deal with Your Affairs: A will allows you to appoint executors who will be responsible for administering your estate, paying any debts, funeral costs, and taxes, and ensuring that your instructions are carried out.
- Provides for Loved Ones: You can appoint guardians for any minor children and ensure your family and friends are provided for in accordance with your wishes.
- Supports Causes You Care About: It allows you to leave an optional gift to charities, creating a lasting impact.
- Avoids Difficult Decisions: A clear Will removes your loved ones from tough decisions during a time of grief. A will can include instructions about your funeral and other personal wishes, helping avoid difficult decisions at an emotional time.
- Assists with Estate Planning: You may consider making specific gifts for individuals or charities, or setting up trusts for beneficiaries, such as children or vulnerable adults. Regularly reviewing and updating your will ensures that it remains in line with your current circumstances and wishes.
- In Summary: having a will gives you control over what happens to your estate and can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
Dying without a valid Will, known as dying “intestate,” means the default rules of intestacy will determine how your estate is distributed. This legal framework follows a strict hierarchy of relatives and may lead to unintended consequences. For example, an unmarried partner has no automatic right to inherit under these rules. The process can become complicated, lengthy, and stressful for your family, highlighting the importance of proper estate planning.
How to Make Your Will this October
October’s campaign is designed to make this process straightforward. Individuals aged 55 and over can contact a participating solicitor during October to book an appointment for your will. While appointments must be booked in October, they can be scheduled for a later, more convenient date.
What are the steps to create a will with a local solicitor?
- Contact a Solicitor: Find a participating solicitor, like CJCH Solicitors Bridgend office, and book your appointment. Contact us to discuss services in our other offices in Blackwood, Caerphilly, Barry and Cardiff.
- Prepare for Your Meeting: Think about your assets and who you want to inherit them. Consider appointing executors—the people who will manage your estate.
- Drafting the Will: Your solicitor will discuss your wishes, provide appropriate advice, and draft the Will accordingly. .
- Signing and Witnessing: The Will needs to be signed in front of two independent adult witnesses to be legally valid. We can assist and arrange witnesses at one of our convenient offices.
How much does a will cost with a solicitor?
The cost of drafting a will with a solicitor depends on the complexity of your estate. However, during October in our Bridgend office, , a simple Will may be provided in relation to the charitable campaign. If your Will is more complex, the solicitor will give you a precise quote for any extra work, so you’re always clear on the costs. Contact any of our offices for a specific quote tailored to your needs.
Beyond the Will: Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
A Will deals with what happens after you die.. However, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are just as necessary for managing your affairs during your lifetime, particularly if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.
An LPA is a legal document that allows you to choose someone (or a few people), called ‘attorneys,’ to help make choices on your behalf if you are unable, through physical or mental incapacity, to make the decisions yourself. There are two types:
- A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your attorney to manage your finances on your behalf, such as paying bills, collecting benefits, or even selling your home if necessary.
- Health and Welfare LPA: This covers decisions about your medical treatment, daily care, and where you live.
Making LPAs provides you with control over future decisions.
LPAs allow you to plan in advance:
- the decisions you want to be made on your behalf if or when you lose capacity to make them yourself
- the people you want as attorneys to make these decisions
- how you want the attorney to make these decisions.
If you have not completed LPAs, other people may need to apply to the Court of Protection to make any decision on your behalf. This can be costly, lengthy and stressful for your loved ones.
Expert Estate Planning with CJCH Solicitors
At CJCH Solicitors, our Private Client Team, led by Lauren Phillips, specialises in providing tailor-made services for Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and comprehensive Estate Planning. With over 15 years of experience, Lauren and her team offer the expertise needed to navigate these critical decisions.
Lauren Phillips
“Lauren Phillips and her team were invaluable in conducting our late father’s estate and probate. We were put at ease and kept informed along the way. We are very grateful for their help and continuing support.”
Carly Ellis
“I would like to say how well my partner and myself have been treated by Carly Ellis. She was absolutely amazing from day one and she explained everything so well and treated us with respect and she was a pleasure to work with, with instructions for our wills. I can’t recommend her enough. Thank you so much Carly.”
Ella Reed
“We can’t thank Ella enough for her help, advice and clear explanations at the Blackwood branch today. She’s a true professional.”
Zachary Cross
“I met Zachary Cross in order to deal with my late partners estate. From day one he was polite and understanding. He took time to explain legal matters that I was unaware of.
His communication by phone or email was prompt, polite and informative. If ever I need a solicitor I will contact Zachary without fail – keep up the good work!”
We serve clients across Cardiff, Blackwood, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly and beyond, providing clear guidance and reliable support. We operate with transparency regarding payments, requiring an upfront payment on account for initial appointments and any necessary disbursements, with interim bills issued as needed. With our 4.8-star Trustpilot rating and decades of experience.
Leave a Lasting Legacy for Charity
October’s charitable campaign is supported by a group of well-respected charities that rely on legacies for a significant portion of their income. While there is no obligation to do so, many people use this opportunity to leave a gift in their Will to a cause they care about. This act of generosity costs nothing now but can make a profound difference for years to come.
Take the First Step Today
Planning for the future is essential to protect yourself and your loved ones. October’s campaign provides the perfect opportunity to create or update your Will with the help of expert solicitors, ensuring your wishes are legally secure.
Take control of your estate planning this October. Spots are limited, so grab yours while you can. It’s first-come, first-served! It’s essential to act promptly.
To book your appointment with CJCH Solicitors for your Will, remember the appointment must be booked in October, but can be for a later, convenient date. If you would like more information, visit bit.ly/FWMSol.
