When people think about writing a will, they often assume this is something you do later on in life, once you are well established, your kids have grown, and you are in your golden years. But is that the right time to write your will? In reality, the answer of when you should write a will may come as a surprise, as it’s much earlier than people assume. So, what’s the right age to write your will? Let’s examine the question further.
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What’s the Earliest Age at Which You Can Write a Will?
The first thing to be aware of is the earliest age a person can write a will. In the UK, you cannot write a will until you are at least 18 years of age. Of course, that is pretty early, and it may not be the time most people take on the task, but it’s still good to know.
When You Live with a Partner
The first indicator that it may be time to write a will can be when you are living with a partner who isn’t a spouse or civil partner. You want to be sure that your estate is distributed how you wish and not leave it to the law to figure it out.
When You Own a House
If you own a house, you automatically have assets. This means there is something to be left behind, which can be discussed in the will.
When You Have Children
The birth of a first child is often the perfect time to write a will. You now have someone else to care for and you want to be sure nothing is left unanswered.
Writing a Will Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
A big part of putting off writing a will has to do with convenience and how complicated the process can seem. If you’re under the assumption that you need to make a big production of it, and it requires all kinds of confusing steps, it’s time to think again.
Thanks to technology, there are now web cam wills, which couldn’t be easier or more convenient. You don’t even need to leave the house to make a will thanks to companies such as E.L.M Legal Services. You’ll get all the answers you need, plus help to figure out the process in an online environment. You’ll be able to go over your entire estate and have professional will writers give input and assistance.
Why Writing a Will Matters?
So, why does any of this matter? Why is having a will so important? Besides leaving instructions on how your estate will be divided up, it can also address such important issues as:
What happens to your pets
What happens to your child if they are under 18 (appointing a legal guardian)
Digital assets
If you have any specific gifts
Donations you wish to make
Your funeral instructions
If you own property, who it will go to
It takes all the guesswork and stress out of the process for your surviving family member(s).
In all reality, for most people over the age of 18, the right time to write a will is now. If you’re thinking about it, then it’s time to do it.
