Single Parents and a Will
The directors of
Will Drafters Ltd, David Crossland and Michelle Hanover,
are now urging all single parents to make a Will. Mary Harris
met up with them recently to find out why.
Mary: "As a single parent myself, isn’t it true
I don’t need a Will as everything would automatically go
to my children?"
David: "Normally yes. But if you are only
separated from your previous partner, not divorced, then
this wouldn’t be the case as, depending on your
circumstances, your previous partner may get
everything".
Mary: "This would worry a lot of single parents,
can you tell us more?"
Michelle: "If you are divorced or unmarried then
everything owned solely by you will go to your children
including any adopted but not stepchildren. Without a
Will, anything owned jointly with someone else, such as a
property, would go to him or her".
Mary: "Can I specify an age at which my children
are to inherit?"
Michelle: "Yes. Most parents opt for 18 or 21
while a few prefer 25. Any age over 25 brings up certain
tax problems, so is best avoided".
Mary: "And what will happen if I die while my
children are still young?"
Michelle: "You will need to appoint guardians to
look after your children. Most people choose a brother or
sister. Some choose parents but you must consider their
age".
David: "Also, you should appoint at least two
trustees who will then look after the money and make sure
your guardians have the financial support they need. Once
your children reach the age you chose the trustees would
pay them their share".
Will Drafters offer a
convenient Wills-by-phone service and have written over
80,000 Wills since the two directors founded it in
1990.
For further details on
Will Drafters Ltd and a free Will
brochure
Click Here
Alternatively you can make a Single Will Online
in Minutes for just £29.99
HERE
|