During the course of our lives, we all experience many changes such as those involving family; marriage, divorce, having children and grandchildren, as well as moving home, retirement and care needs. Making a will and then keeping it updated plays an important role so that we can plan for such changes, and ensures that our families and friends are taken care of. 

 

In view of this, it may surprise you to know that currently, 67% of the UK adult population hasn’t made a will, either because it’s not something they think they need or they just “haven’t got around to doing it yet.” The result is that distressed relatives are often left to sort things out at an emotional time, and if there are no relatives, it can take considerable periods of time to trace any next of kin, which can prove expensive. Making a will is important as it ensures that when you die, your wishes regarding what happens to your estate are followed. 

 

Don’t put it off - making a will can provide peace of mind, provision for family and friends, and you are in control of what will happen to everything you own. By appointing an Executor in your will, you can choose the person who will ensure that your wishes are carried out.

 

The importance of making a will is being highlighted by several firms of local solicitors who have kindly agreed to support a will writing initiative with Saint Francis Hospice. During our hospice Make a Will Fortnight, they will be offering to write basic wills free of charge in return for a donation to the hospice. Our next Make a Will Fortnight will be 4th - 15th March 2013.

 

Genevieve Gallagher from Mullis & Peake Solicitors, who participated in the 2012 event in March said: “We are delighted to support Saint Francis Hospice Make a Will Fortnight as it is such a worthy cause.  People don’t always realise that if they don’t make a will, there are rules of law which set out who will inherit their Estate which may mean that their assets do not necessarily go where they would like.”

 

In 2012 an impressive £9,700 was raised as a result of donations given from basic wills arranged and written by local participating solicitors.

 

 

Roger Philpot of F Barnes Solicitors with Susan Spencer of Saint Francis Hospice

At your meeting with your chosen solicitor, they will give advice based on your circumstances and what you want in your will. If you agree to go ahead, the solicitor will then ask you for a donation to Saint Francis Hospice, instead of paying them their usual will writing fee. Every donation will support our work, but for your guidance, writing a will can cost between £100 and £130 per person. Please note that if your will is not standard, for example involves tax or other specialised legacy advice, then the solicitor will tell you and agree a separate fee with you before going ahead. In addition, if mirror wills are required, e.g. two identical wills that are written for husband and wife, this is counted as two wills.

 

There is no obligation to leave a gift in a will to Saint Francis Hospice, but we are always grateful to those who remember us in this way. Remembering the hospice in your will enables us to be there for people when we are most needed.

 

Legacy gifts to Saint Francis Hospice make up a staggering 22% of our annual voluntary income, and without this support, we simply would not be able to continue to provide the range of much- needed care services for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Thanks to these supporters, thousands of families in our local communities have been able to benefit from the care given by our hospice staff and volunteers. Supporting us with a legacy gift will not cost you a penny now, and can also help reduce your liability for Inheritance Tax.

 

 

Susan Spencer of Saint Francis Hospice with Angela Sewell of Rainer Hughes Solicitors in Shenfield.

 

If you would like further information on our Make a Will Fortnight or would like to know more about leaving a legacy to Saint Francis Hospice, please contact Susan Spencer on 01708 771403, email susanspencer@sfh.org.uk or write to her at Saint Francis Hospice, The Hall, Havering-atte-Bower, Romford, Essex  RM4 1QH. If you are a solicitor in our community who would like to support the hospice by participating in our next Make a Will Fortnight in 2013 and are able to help advertise this event, please call Susan on 01708 771 403.