The importance of making a Will

From 27th April to 10th May, St John’s Hospice will be holding their annual Make a Will Fortnight. During this time we will be offering people the chance to make a simple will – thanks to our team of incredibly generous solicitors (see full list below) – over the phone, for free.

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Making a Will might feel like a daunting prospect. However, ensuring your wishes are known makes it easier for your loved ones after your death. Samia Khatun, Legacy Executive at St John’s Hospice, shares why everyone should have a Will.

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Samia says, “More than 46% of the UK population do not have a Will. This means when a person dies their family can be left confused and unsure at what is already a distressing time. Making a Will helps protect those you love”.

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Societal changes means family life is more complicated, this means you may choose not to leave all of your money to your family but also to friends or causes that are special to you.

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“It is so important to make a Will so that your money is going to places that you feel strongly about rather than the decision being taken by others,” says Samia.

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Munazza Hollingsworth of RHJ Devonshire Solicitors, one of the generous firms helping the Hospice with Make a Will Fortnight illustrates this when she says, “When alive, you would not leave your bank accounts or personal affairs to be managed by just anyone, so why would you do this after death? It is imperative that you plan for the inevitable and that your matters are dealt with by your chosen people.”

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As part of Make a Will Fortnight, we are encouraging people to write a Will with the help of the solicitors listed below. Samia also asks you to consider, once you have cared for your family and friends, leaving a legacy to St John’s Hospice. ‘Our Make a Will’ solicitors can advise you on how to do this.

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Legacy gifts are an important way of supporting St John’s, your local hospice, and will help us care for many more local people in the future.

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One kind supporter, Vicky Smyth is a loyal advocate of St. John’s Hospice. After a loved one was cared for at the Hospice she has left a charitable legacy in her Will to us. Vicky says, “The Hospice helped me to accept a loved one’s death and in return I am leaving a legacy gift.’

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Many people will have considered a DIY Will, but Samia points out the pitfalls of doing this: “It is recommended for a solicitor to make a simple Will as a solicitor can ensure that all the legal boxes are ticked and you know your money is going exactly where you want it to. You can then put the Will away and get on with enjoying life’.

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Samia says, “During Make a Will Fortnight we have four solicitors involved and if you contact me I can put you in contact with the one nearest to you.”

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‘I am aware that both death and finances are sensitive issues, particularly during this exceptional time. We have thought long and hard about continuing with our Make a Will event but feel that the offer of a free Will service is still of importance and these conversations should not be put off. To overcome the issue of isolation all the solicitors will be able to assist anyone looking to make a Will over the phone and/or via email. There is also the choice of Skype, WhatsApp or Zoom’.

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Below is a list of solicitors we will be working with during our Make a Will Fortnight. For further information or to ask any questions about legacies or making a Will please get in touch at fundraising@hje.org.uk or on 020 7806 4011.

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RHJ Devonshire Solicitors

10 Devonshire Square

London

EC2M 4YP

E: mh@rhjdevonshire.co.uk

T: 0203 923 0446

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Osbornes Law

Livery House

7- 9 Pratt Street

London