COVID-19 has changed the way we live our lives. Whereas once we would head out to visit friends and family without a second thought, the pandemic has made us much more cautious about where we go and who we see due to the very real risk of infection. .
For many of us, the pandemic has brought our mortality into sharp focus. While COVID-19 is, for the majority of people, a relatively mild illness it can, for some, result in death. While those with other health problems do seem to be at more risk, it appears that for some young, otherwise healthy people, this disease has resulted in disaster.
How can you protect your family from COVID-19?
Of course, keeping your distance from others, wearing a mask in enclosed spaces where distancing isn’t possible and washing your hands regularly, are all practical steps you can take to help lower your risk of contracting coronavirus.
But one area that people often overlook is the importance of writing a Will.
Why is writing a Will so important?
In a time of great uncertainty, ensuring that you have a Will in place gives you clarity as to what will happen to your assets (and who will inherit them) in the event of your death.
Getting your wishes in writing now, ensures that they will be upheld upon your death. You can make sure that those you want to inherit (the beneficiaries), such as your spouse, children, friends or charities, will actually receive this financial support.
Dying without a will – known as dying ‘intestate’ – will result in the intestacy rules deciding who receives your estate when you die and your assets could end up going to people you didn’t want them to – or those you would have wanted to receive a share of your estate, may receive nothing.
For example, if you and your partner are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner would not automatically benefit from your estate if you died without a Will. This is the case even if you have children together.
Having a Will is the only way to ensure that you control how your estate is divided and who benefits from it.
If you haven’t got a Will already (or need to update your current Will), taking action now is vital to ensure that your family are protected during this pandemic, should the worst happen.
Get in touch to speak to one of our solicitors about how our Will Writing Service could help you to give your family certainty during these uncertain times.
