‘I Have A Young Family: Why Should I Make A Will?’

In his latest blog, Keith Baldock-Grimes explains the importance of making a will when you have a young family….

Although my children are now a bit more grown up I can still remember from personal experience how time-consuming it can be, chasing after them when they are little, getting them to their parties and clubs in “Dad’s taxi” or standing on a touchline on a cold Saturday or Sunday morning. That aside, when starting a young family there are some important legal issues to think about.

These may not seem as much fun as weekend football or karate lessons, but, in reality, are much more important.

None of us like to think about is what would happen if we as parents weren’t here. It’s a daunting thought and one that is easier to put to the back of our minds. We prefer to push it away and adopt an “it won’t happen to us” attitude.

Making a Will should be a primary consideration when we have a young family. Wills are not just for saying where our money and property should go in the event of our death. Deciding who should look after our children, where both parents are no longer alive, is paramount, as is who should look after money or property we leave behind for our children and whether that money should be placed into trust until the children reach a particular age. These are all matters that require serious thought.

Many modern couples plan their family first, without going down the route of marriage or civil partnership. In these circumstances making a Will is even more important. Cohabiting couples have no automatic rights under intestacy laws and what we assume will pass to each other, may actually pass to children, or other relatives, with sometimes devastating results.

In order to avoid such complications and to give you peace of mind it really is worthwhile spending some time with a legal professional and discussing your options. As always with children, being prepared for all eventualities is the best advice.

For further information please contact Keith Baldock-Grimes on 01332 364436 or by email at k.baldock-grimes@timms-law.com