New Year – new plans, and with them, the best of intentions, which do not always come to fruition.  However, certain resolutions are worth sticking to, and for those people who have not yet made a Will, it should be at the top of the resolution list!

It is estimated that around 50% of people die without a Will, which puts both their finances and their families at risk.  Many people do not realise that if they die without leaving a Will, it is likely that their money will go to the Crown.

The law as it currently stands does not recognise partners even if they have been living together for many years.  However, if you do make a Will, you will be able to include partners, friends, charities and even pets, and have full control over matters such as funeral arrangements. 

Although it is a topic which many people don’t wish to dwell on, and many think they do not currently need, it is essential to protect your assets, and the future of your family.  It is also vitally important to make sure that your Will is properly drawn up.  A badly drafted Will, or one which is incorrectly executed, can have dire consequences. 

Edward Rees, partner and head of Telford law firm Lanyon Bowdler’s private client department comments “If you think about it, making a Will should be one of the most important legal transactions that you enter into in your life – right up there with a house purchase and mortgage.  However, too few of us have a Will or keep it regularly under review.  My view is that, not having a Will, runs an unnecessary risk.  If you have a family, I think that risk is not just unnecessary, it is unjustifiable.  Do not put it off. Make that resolution.”

Lanyon Bowdler is Shropshire’s largest law firm; with 18 partners and in the region of 200 experienced staff, the firm is able to offer legal advice throughout both counties from local offices. The head office is situated in Shrewsbury at Abbey Lawn Business Park, a further five offices are located in Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, Telford Town Centre, and Wellington. Lanyon Bowdler is an award winning multi-disciplinary law firm, specialising in all aspects of the law. With a progressive outlook and a commitment to the environment, the firm embraces opportunities to work with the community – supporting charities and enterprising initiatives. You can now follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/lanyonbowdler, ‘like’ us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/lanyonbowdler, keep up to date with us and have your say by visiting our Blog, at http://blog.lblaw.co.uk, or browse our website – www.lblaw.co.uk

Picture shows partner and head of private client department, Edward Rees.