Wills reveal people’s good intentions

Nearly one in four people who are planning to make a will want to leave money to charity, according to research by Standard Life.

Young people seem to be the most public spirited with 40% of 18 to 24-year-olds intending to make a charitable donation. Single people are more likely to make donations than those who are married, cohabiting or divorced – possibly because they are less likely to have children or other dependants.

It may be heart warming to see such generosity but, of course, for the good intentions to be realised, people actually have to make a will in the first place.

Unfortunately, many people never get round to doing this which means they die intestate.

If that is the case then their wishes will not be known and their estate will be divided in a way laid down by law. It means their money may not go to the people – or the charities – they would have chosen themselves.

Many people may not like the thought of making a will and the associations that go with it but it is the only way of ensuring that your estate is passed on according to your wishes. A solicitor can make the process quick and easy while ensuring that all the paperwork is carried properly in accordance with the law.

Please contact us if you would like more information.

 

March 2010

The views expressed in this article are those of the article contributors, for which Judge & Priestley LLP accepts no responsibility. Readers should take appropriate legal advice before acting on any issues raised