News and views

We talk a lot about the perils of dying without a Will, and the unnecessary mess, stress and cost that can be left behind. Yet, many people still don’t fully appreciate what that actually looks like for loved ones, or how their worldly goods will be divided up.

While contemplating one’s mortality isn’t the most uplifting of pastimes, it is important to consider how you would like your earthly possessions dealt with once you “pop your clogs”.

Newsflash – notwithstanding some speedy cryogenics breakthrough, we’re all going to shuffle off this mortal coil one day. Even our most hardy avoidant, denial mechanisms, including skirting around the very real need to not only make a proper Will, but also keep it current, are an antidote to that reality.

For many people a gift by Will (also known as a legacy) from a relative or friend can be very significant – both personally and financially.

Early in my legal career, back in Scotland, I was sent off to a far-flung farm on a case that was to turn a tad testy.

I think it’s early enough that “resolution” has yet to become a dirty word … so if I could choose for every single adult one vow for the coming year, very high on my list would be getting your affairs in order.

We’ve been bringing you a fair bit of info lately on Wills, and how this seemingly simplest of documents can end up bursting open the proverbial can of worms – especially if it’s poorly drafted and the person leaving the will doesn’t understand they have often onerous obligations, even in death.

​Have you ever considered that one day you might not be able to make decisions about business or family matters due to incapacitation? It pays to be prepared for a time when you might not understand the nature and consequences of decisions and/or the ability to communicate these decisions.