In last month’s Globe team update we were pleased to announce the exciting news of our partnership with will-writing firm Penrose Wills, and specifically with Consultant Solicitor, Kimberley Leigh.
In this month’s update, we explain why we think having a will in place is so important, and why our Penrose Wills partnership is so invaluable to you.
But first, a Covid-19 office update.
A full return to the office
The Globe offices have remained open throughout the lockdown, albeit on a much-reduced basis. We are proud of the work our team has done to provide excellent and uninterrupted service during a very challenging time.
We are also pleased to announce, however, that from 1 September the office will reopen on a fully manned basis.
The most stringent Covid-19 precautions are in place, and that allows us to offer client meetings onsite once more, both in our office meeting room and – weather-permitting – using our rooftop garden.
If you’d like to arrange a meeting, get in touch. Please email hello@globeifa.co.uk or call 020 8891 0711.
Globe and Penrose Wills in partnership
Having a will is very important. It’s the only way to make your wishes known and to ensure that your estate is distributed in a way that aligns with your wishes after your death.
And yet a considerable proportion of us in the UK don’t have a will in place. Of those who do, many will have outdated wills.
That’s why we at Globe believe our partnership with Penrose Wills is so important.
Penrose Wills make the process of making your will hassle-free. They can visit you in your own home – once it can be done in a Covid-secure way – or arrange a telephone or video appointment with you on a daytime, evening, or weekend that suits you.
By having a member of the Penrose Wills team deal with your instructions from start to finish, you know that your will is being dealt with by a qualified legal professional and that your wishes will be understood.
The law of intestacy
Having a valid and up to date will in place is the only way to ensure that your wishes will be carried out after your death. Knowing the document has been completed by professionals will give you added peace of mind.
Without a valid will in place, your property will be dealt with in line with the laws of intestacy. Your estate could be passed on in a way that doesn’t align with your wishes.
It could also mean a lengthier and more stressful time for those you leave behind.
While decisions are made about how your estate will be distributed, your beneficiaries may be unable to draw any money from your estate. This could lead to financial worries at an already difficult time.
Why you need a will in place
We all need to put a will in place, regardless of our personal circumstances. Here are some reasons why:
- If you are single
Whether you want your estate divided amongst friends, relatives, or a charity close to your heart, a will allows you to make these wishes known, and select the proportions you want.
- If you are married
Don’t assume your husband, wife, or civil partner will automatically inherit everything. Brothers, sisters, or parents may also have a claim. Your children might have a right to part of your estate too.
The only way to make sure your property is distributed according to your wishes is to have a valid will in place.
- If you are living with your partner but are not married
If you are living as a couple but not officially married, you may be treated as a single person. Your partner may receive nothing at all.
Putting a will in place will make your wishes known and avoid added stress and disputes at a time when your family will be coping with the loss of a loved one.
- If you are a parent
Consider who you would like to look after your children in the event of your death. This is particularly important in the case of single-parent families or unmarried parents living together.
You can use a will to nominate guardians. Without one, it might be left to the Court to decide on the future of your children.
- If you are retired
If you are retired, you should already have a will in place. If you don’t, contact us here at Globe or speak to Penrose Wills directly.
If you do have a will, make sure it is up to date.
If your circumstances have changed – a new relationship status or the birth of grandchildren for example – is this reflected in your current will? We recommend you review your will every two to five years, and after any big life events.
- If you haven’t made a will
If you haven’t made a will you run the risk of your estate becoming subject to the laws of intestacy. If this happens, you will have no say over how your property is distributed when you pass away.
Get in touch
Speak to us at Globe if you’d like to arrange a meeting with Penrose wills, or contact them directly. Email enquiry@penrosewills.co.uk, visit their website at www.penrosewills.co.uk or call them on 0203 488 5495.
And remember that the Globe offices are now fully open for client meetings. Email hello@globeifa.co.uk or call 020 8891 0711 if you’d like to arrange a visit.
