By Gronw ab Islwyn Legacy & Prospect Research Officer at Tenovus Cancer Care
How different the world is today to what it was 12 months ago. The changes are immense; many excruciatingly sad and painful. Each and everyone of us having to deal with circumstances the like of which we have never had to deal with before.
Yet some things remain the same in this COVID-19 world: our love of family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances, and the communities and organisations we are a part of. Not to mention all the other elements and aspects of living that give us pleasure and encouragement and that we delight in.
Although COVID-19 brought agonising losses and sadness, many things remain that we would have been grateful if the pandemic had ended. Many of them things we’d be delighted to avoid: washing dishes and loading the dishwasher, tidying the house or garden, shopping, or the car not starting.
Everyone has their own list of the things we wish we would never have to do again. I am sure I am not alone when I place on that list: ensuring I have a valid Will that it is up to date and accurate its details and instructions. The Will of every one of us is not a document to be written once, placed safely in a drawer or cupboard and forgotten about, hoping that no one will need to get it out to execute for decades.
After my death, my Will will be a clear signpost of what is to be done with my possessions and estate. For me a guarantee that what I want to happen will be done, and for my family the certainty that following my death all my possessions will be dealt with according to my wishes.
Many, as I did for decades, will delay making a Will, living on the assumption that there was plenty of time before I had to face the task. But none of us know what will happen tomorrow.
In order to avoid leaving my family in an excruciating situation, at an emotionally difficult time for them, it was quite a simple task to instruct a solicitor to write my Will: in unambiguous wording on paper my wishes regarding my things after my death. Arranging to care for my loved ones and assisting those things I belief in and appreciate, wishing their continued existence.
Yes, a Will can provide for one’s family and the charities that incorporate a person’s values and aspirations. It also saves a family from having to deal with the additional strain of an intestate death and testify to a person’s life values.
If you would like to learn more about our quick and easy way to make or update your Will for free this Free Wills Month, click here or call 029 2076 8856 to have a free and confidential chat.