The right money – to the right people – at the right time
It is clear that many people think they’re just not ‘rich enough’ to need a Will. This ignores the fact that a Will makes inheritance a far quicker process. Do you really want to keep your loved ones waiting longer, when that money might be badly needed?
It also does not take into account the complexity of modern families, which intestacy law simply doesn’t address. Children from previous marriages could end up receiving nothing at all. It may seem morbid thinking about what happens after you die, but it is just planning for what happens to us all.
A Will may not cost you as much as you think. At Tandem, we offer a menu system so you can choose the right solution for your circumstances.
What is a Will?
A Will (sometimes called Last Will and Testament) is a legally-binding document that coordinates the distribution of your assets (property, cash etc.) after your death. It can appoint guardians for minor children. It dictates your funeral wishes. It allows you to communicate your wishes clearly and precisely.
What happens if you die without a Will?
If you don’t make a will, you will die ‘intestate’ and your estate may not go to the people you want. There are special rules for how your estate will be distributed. These are called intestacy rules. It is often misunderstood what happens if there is no legal Will. It takes longer to resolve, and often causes hardship and confusion.
Why should you make a Will?
Making a Will is the only way to ensure that your assets go where you want them to after you die. It gives you and your loved ones reassurance. It can avoid disputes amongst family members. Making a Will is just being prudent and responsible, especially if you have children, a business and/or have a large estate. You are the Testator, you elect Executors and Trustees and name your Beneficiaries. You can include different types of trusts in your Will to determine who receives what and when.
Why should you review and update your will?
Over time your circumstances tend to change, the laws can change, so it is sensible to review and update your Will. Perhaps you have since had children or grandchildren? Perhaps you need to consider adding trusts into your will? This is especially important when you have young children, or a large, complicated estate. Perhaps you need to change a trustee or update your statement of wishes? Tandem can help with all of these issues.
Meet Marcos
Tandem will writer
Marcos is the Tandem Financial affiliated Will Writer. He has over 15 years experience in estate planning and writing Wills. Marcus is a member of the Institute of Professional Will Writers (IPW).
“If you have children under the age of 18, then a Will allows you to specify who should look after them if both parents die. Without a Will, the courts are left to decide who will bring up your children.
Not making a Will can unnecessarily increase how much inheritance tax is to be paid. It can cause an added pressure to loved ones who are left behind to deal with it all.
Making a Will can also allow you to control when and how someone inherits. A Will can allow you to set conditions as to the circumstances under which someone may inherit.”
“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
Denis Waitley
How it works
The process, should you wish to proceed, involves just six simple steps…
An appointment is made to visit with you, in the comfort of your own home, at a time best suited, including evenings. There is no cost to you or obligation.
We will send you our letter of engagement and a mini fact-find to complete prior to the meeting. We will also send you our brochure, price list and FAQ document.
We meet up in person. At the meeting, we establish what your circumstances are, what issues or worries you may have, and we discuss with you what solutions there are available to you and what options you have.
You then confirm your instructions. You determine who you want as executors, trustees and beneficiaries. You decide how to allocate your assets, what you want your funeral plans to be and whether you wish to use trusts in your Will.
We produce drafts of all your documents and send them to you for you to review and conclude. This is usually done within a 2-week time frame.
