Will Writing
A will is vital to ensure your estate (the assets you have amassed in your lifetime) are passed to your family in the way you would want. Dying without a valid will means you have “died intestate” and your estate will then be distributed according to strict Government rules. Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will
After someone dies, where a valid will is written, something called “Probate” is applied for, whereas with no valid will, it is “Letters of administration” that are needed. Letters of administration can be more difficult to apply for and could result in extra costs.
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A professionally written will is often just one part of a wider estate planning strategy, helping you protect your assets and loved ones.
Why Make A Will?
For a fixed fee, your expertly written will provides the peace of mind that your wishes will be fully honoured when the worst happens!
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Many clients also choose to put Powers of Attorney in place to ensure trusted individuals can make decisions on their behalf if needed.
Why Choose US?
At Fortress Wills & Estates, your personal Estate Planner will take you through the entire process, understanding your circumstances, making recommendations about specific bequests (like jewellery or charity donations) whilst minimising taxes like inheritance tax. Inheritance tax is often the easiest tax to avoid, but action in advance is needed.
What Happens If You Don't Have a Will?
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If someone dies without a valid will, they are said to have died “intestate”. When this happens, the laws of intestacy apply. https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will
What it means
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The estate is shared according to fixed legal rules, not personal wishes.
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Only certain relatives can inherit, and the order is set by law.
Key points
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Unmarried partners and stepchildren do not automatically inherit.
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The estate may not go to the people the deceased would have chosen.
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It can cause delays, extra cost, and family disputes.
In short
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Intestacy means the law decides who inherits, not the individual
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In some cases, incorporating trust planning can provide additional protection and control over how your assets are distributed.