Making a Will is one of the most important things people can do, and Earl Mountbatten Hospice is launching a campaign to raise awareness of this important issue through its Make a Will Fortnight campaign (1st-14th October 2016).
Everyone wants to make sure that their loved ones are looked after when they are gone, yet many people put off making a valid Will. Although it is important to make sure your Will always reflects your wishes, the Hospice aims to use these 2 weeks to highlight the many reasons why people should take action.
A Will ensures your estate and possessions can be distributed according to your wishes. It is particularly important to make a Will if you are not married or are not in a registered civil partnership. The law does not automatically recognise cohabitants (partners who live together), as having the same rights as husbands, wives and civil partners. As a result, even if you have lived together for many years, your cohabitant may not benefit from your estate if you have not made a Will.
A Will is vital if you have children or dependents who may not be able to care for themselves. In your Will you can:
• Appoint a guardian of your choice to look after any underage children
• Provide for children from a previous marriage or partnership
• Appoint Executors to carry out the administration of your estate, either family members, friends or a professional such as your solicitor
• Remember family, friends with a keepsake or financial gift
• Remember your favourite charity
• Detail any particular funeral arrangements, for example cremation or burial
As part of Make a Will Fortnight 2016, 3 Isle of Wight solicitors have generously agreed to waive their fee for people wanting to make a simple Will (terms and conditions below). To take part in the initiative, you should contact Simon or Ursula (during Make a Will Fortnight) at Earl Mountbatten Hospice by calling 01983 217300. There is no need to give a donation, although these are always appreciated, and no need to leave anything in your Will to Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
Nigel Hartley, Chief Executive, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the solicitors who are generously giving their time and expertise for free during Make a Will fortnight. This will ensure that many more Islanders are able to have peace of mind that their loved ones will be secure once they have died. Launching this campaign is an important part of what we do at the Hospice, helping to raise awareness and educate people about the importance of issues such as making your Will and planning your wishes well in advance.”
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The Earl Mountbatten Hospice would like to thank the following solicitors for their generous support of Make a Will Fortnight 2016:
• Churchers Bolitho Way
13 Union Street, Ryde (01983) 817060
• Merry and Co
73 Union Street, Ryde (01983) 811722
• Roach Pittis
60 – 66 Lugley Street, Newport (01983) 524431
More information about Make a Will Fortnight 2016 can be found at www.iwhospice.org.
Terms and conditions: Appointments are limited in number and subject to availability and offered on a first come, first served basis. Appointments are only available by first contacting the Hospice. Offer applies only to simple Wills and amendments. If specialist advice is needed, the solicitor will explain what can be included under the scheme and include a separate quote for the remaining work. Offer ends 14 October 2016.
