“I’ve told my family what I want, so there’s no need to make a will.”

It’s easy to assume that if you share your wishes with your family that everything is sorted.  After all, they know what you want, right? The truth is though, without making a will, there’s no guarantee your instructions will be followed.

Why just talking it through isn’t enough Making a will

If someone dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to the laws of intestacy, not your personal wishes. This can lead to family members receiving different shares than expected, or even loved ones being left out entirely.

Emotions can run high after a loved one dies and what seems obvious in conversation can be forgotten or misunderstood. Confusion, disagreements and delays are common, placing additional stress on those you leave behind at a very emotional time.

How a will protects your family

A will makes your intentions clear and legally binding. It allows you to decide exactly how your estate is divided, appoint trusted executors to manage your affairs, and, if relevant, name guardians for children. It also provides clarity on any specific gifts or charitable donations you want to make.

Even if your family knows your intentions, a written will removes any ambiguity. Providing reassurance, protecting your family from disputes and ensuring your wishes are respected and carried out exactly as you intended.

Expert advice and support from us at FSM

At FSM, a member of our Private Client team will advise you and support through every step of the process. We take the time to explain each stage in plain language, guiding you with care and expertise so that your estate planning is straightforward and effective.

Making a will isn’t just about dividing assets – it’s about peace of mind, certainty, and protecting the people you care about most. Don’t leave it to chance.

Get in touch with a member of our friendly and knowledgeable Wills, Trusts and Probate team today and make your wishes official with a properly drafted, legal will.

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.

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