A Will, the ultimate Christmas gift…
Perfume for her, aftershave for him are the default gifts at Christmas, but if it is really the case that it’s the thought that counts, a will drafted by an accredited professional is the best present to give, even if it is not the most glamorous.
As Chris Yiannakas, partner with YVA Solicitors and a member of the Law Society’s Wills & Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS) explains: “Those with the most to lose if they die without a will include co-habiting couples who are not married or in a civil partnership.
“More than one million** unmarried couples with dependent children are living in the UK. Recent changes to the intestacy rules strengthened the position of married spouses and civil partners, but left the position of cohabiting couples unchanged.” Says Chris, continuing:
“Intestacy is where the state decides who inherits if someone dies without a will. Only partners who are married or in a civil partnership can inherit under the rules.
“For many people, the festive season is all about spending time with loved ones. So we urge people to reflect on that this Christmas and think how they would feel if you died and they received nothing.
“No one likes to think too carefully about their own demise, but ensuring your final wishes are made clear and legally recognised is the best gift for your family this Christmas,” and, as Chris points out: “You can return those awful socks and loud jumper to the shop and get a refund, but there’s no going back if you die without a will.”
YVA Solicitors is amongst the first firms to achieve the Law Society’s Wills & Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS), which provides a best practice quality mark for wills and estate administration advice that consumers can trust. Our wills and probate department is at your service and you can contact Chris Yiannakas as detailed below for more information and benefit from our Quality Scheme recognised service: As the Law Society itself advises: “Consumers need to be able to distinguish between those who are unregulated, uninsured and untrained, and solicitors who offer a quality service.”
Please contact Chris Yiannakas at
YVA Solicitors
811 High Road
North Finchley
London N12 8JT
Tel: 020 8445 9898
Email: cy@yvasolicitors.com
www.yvasolicitors.com
Article version in PDF: A valid will is the best Christmas present for your family