Whether you are single, married, cohabiting, have children or not; a Will is essential.
A Will serves to distribute your property (estate), name an executor, name legal guardians for children and more.
Having a Will also means that you (rather than the Law) decide who gets your property when you die.
Put simply, the difference between a Will and a Living Will is the time when it is executed. A Will takes legal effect upon a persons death. Alternatively, a Living Will gives instructions to your family and doctors about what medical treatment you may and may not wish to have, should you become incapacitated.
Both a Will and Living Will are binding legal documents, but there is a difference in their privacy. When a person dies and a Will is executed, it goes through probate and so it become a matter of public record. Living Wills however, stay private and are only seen by the medical staff in charge of caring for the person.
Typically speaking, anyone who is living with a terminal illness or are about to have major surgery (that may carry significant risks) would be wise to complete a Living Will. If you do become incapacitated and are unable to make your own decisions, without a living will your physicians will turn to your closest family members (spouse, then children) for decisions.
After death, the Living Will can grant consent to an autopsy, bequeath anatomical gifts, and direct the disposition of your remains (whether you wish to be buried, or cremated, or neither.)
We will listen to your needs and be able to offer professional, legal advice regarding your personal situation. Mark Tucker, the founder of MT Legal Services has nearly 40 years of experience in matters regarding Wills and Probate. As a member of the Institute of Professional Will Writers, you can be sure that you’re in good hands when you employ MT Legal Services.
T: 01604 591242
