Welcome to Oakley Wills

Every individual over the age of 18 should have a Will – whether they are rich or poor, male or female, single or married. Oakley Wills consultants are able to help you make your will and plan your estate.

Protect Your Spouse or Partner The Laws of Intestacy mean that if the value of your assets exceeds £250,000, your spouse will NOT automatically inherit your wealth and may have to share it with your relatives. If you are unmarried your partner is likely to receive nothing unless you make a will.

Appoint Guardians for Your Children Appointing a guardian ensures that your child is looked after by a person that you trust and who you know will care for them. If you do not appoint a guardian, upon your death the courts will appoint one, and it may not be a person you would have chosen yourself. Your child may have to move home or change school, losing their friends and stability, if you do not plan their future carefully for them. It is important to note that unless the mother appoints him in her will, an unmarried father may not automatically become the guardian of his own natural child, even if they are living together.

Reduce Inheritance Tax Recent rises in property values mean that the majority of estates are now liable to Inheritance Tax (IHT). A properly drafted Will, creating appropriate Trusts, can significantly reduce the IHT bill and in many instances eradicate it completely.

Protect your Assets Many people are concerned that later on in life the value of their property, savings and investments could be used to fund Nursing Home or Residential Home care. With the correct trust included in your Will, couples may shelter the value of property, savings and investments from assessment by a Local Authority in this event.

Some couples are concerned that the survivor of them could find a new partner and leave assets to their new partner, thus disinheriting their children. Again, with the correct trust included in your Will this eventuality can be prevented, while still leaving the surviving partner with access to funds.

Decide ‘Who Gets What’ A Will is a documented record of your wishes. It explains how you want your property, possessions and money to be distributed and in what proportions. You appoint Executors who ensure your instructions are carried out. This avoids possible disagreements between family members and relatives. It also enables you to exclude specific people who would otherwise benefit, or to leave money to a favourite charity.

State Your Wishes & Funeral Plans If you wish to donate your organs to help others when you die, or you have specific wishes regarding burial or cremation, then these need to be documented in a Will. If you have plans for your funeral or favoured hymns, then expressing your wishes in your Will is the only way you can be sure they will are honoured.

Our Consultants are also able to give advice on other relevant matters such as Long Term Care Planning, Probate, Trusts, Inheritance Tax,Living Wills, Business Partnership Agreements, Guardian Protectionand Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Call us today on 01527 559944 for a free no-obligation discussion.