Why it is important to plan for your death
Making a will and keeping it up to date is the safest way to ensure your wishes will be carried out, after your death. It should make things easier for your friends and family if clear legally binding instructions have been left.
Not leaving a will (dying intestate) can lead to complex problems and unsatisfactory situations:
- If you are married or in a civil partnership your partner may not receive all your property and possessions
- If you live with someone but are not married or in a civil partnership, then by law they will receive nothing
- If your children are minors (under 18 years old) the court may decide who will look after them when you die. In a will you can nominate guardians of your choice to look after them, should anything happen to you
- If your spouse should remarry after your death or if you have children from a previous relationship how will you protect your assets for them? Your will can help pass on your legacy to those you love
A will is a written record of your instructions concerning the distribution of your property, investments and possessions following your death.
If you haven't made a will, or just wish to amend an existing will, we can help you through the Barclays Will Writing Service.
You may also wish to consider planning for a time when you may no longer be able to make your own financial and personal decisions. A Lasting Power of Attorney can enable you to set out your wishes and appoint an attorney to act on your behalf in the event that you no longer have "capacity" to deal with your own property and financial affairs.
Writing your will
At Barclays we aim to make the writing of your will as straightforward and trouble free as possible.
Intestacy
If you do not leave a will, or your will can not be found, your estate, which comprises all of your assets and belongings, will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy.
Appointing an executor
One of the most important things to consider when making your will is who to appoint as your executor.
Why Barclays?
We have been providing this service for many years. With us as your executor, you can relax, confident that your estate will be in safe hands. We also offer:
- safe custody of your will(s) free of charge
- impartial and continuous service
- experienced staff, trained in legal and financial matters
- a reputation for integrity and the worldwide resources of Barclays
- authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
