Who Needs A Will?

Almy and Thomas Solicitors • 19 July 2022

Are you wondering if you need a will? Most of us don’t want to consider our own passing, for good reason, but the need to have a will prepared in advance of this time is crucial for the distribution of your estate. If you don’t have a will, however, unknown people will then get to decide what happens with your estate after your death. It’s far better to spend some uncomfortable time and decide for yourself.

Wills aren’t just about who gets what. They’re also about determining what you want for yourself. Do you prefer cremation to burial? Are there things you want to be done at your funeral? This is the perfect time to make your wishes known.


Do You Really Need A Will?

If you have belongings or preferences for your funeral arrangements, you need a will. This is true no matter what age you are. Many people realise once they have children that it is an important idea, but still, put it off. That’s not the best idea, since you likely have very definitive ideas as to what should happen with your children if you aren’t around.


What Goes In A Will?

Your will is a place to divide up any assets you own. This includes:

●     Bank accounts

●     Properties

●     Personal belongings

●     Vehicles

●     Businesses


All this information should be clearly stated and if you need it divided up, this may also be explained. Some people prefer to avoid drama, so they request that property be sold and the profits divided between several people equally. You have a lot of choices and a solicitor can help you determine what you want to do. You should also appoint an executor in your will. This person will be responsible for managing any debts and taxes and ensuring the will is carried out.


If you have children, a will is essential. It’s necessary to name a guardian if you and their other parent are no longer living. While this is essential for children and minors, you should also do this if you are a caregiver for an elderly parent, sibling, or another adult with disabilities.

In the event that you have specific wishes for your burial, be sure to let people know that this information is in the will. This ensures they will check it before making arrangements.



While it’s not pleasant to think about death, making a will can ease some of the sufferings of your loved ones after death. There will be no fighting over the assets you leave behind and you can ensure that everyone gets what you want them to receive.

If you would like help with your will, contact Almy and Thomas. We’re here to help and we have plenty of experience with creating wills.

25 April 2025
Discover the role of conveyancing solicitors in buying and selling properties, including their key responsibilities and tips on choosing the right one.
by O EVANS 25 February 2025
Almy & Thomas notice that some of our colleagues in other practices do not publish details of their costs specifically relating to the preparation and drafting of Wills and the preparation and application for Lasting Powers of Attorney, which are significant steps in anybody’s day to day life. Almy & Thomas are transparent as to the costs of preparing Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Visit our Costs Page and make an appointment to discuss your requirements with Flis Cotton (Head of Department), Kirsty Neill (Assistant Head) or Sophie Lansdale. They will explain and quote for any work that needs to be undertaken in that respect
12 February 2025
Buying your first home? Discover the essentials of conveyancing, from fees to finding the right solicitor, with this expert guide from Almy & Thomas.
20 December 2024
The office will be closed for the Christmas break from 12:00 Noon on Friday 20th December 2024 and will re-open at 9:00am on Thursday 2nd January 2025. We would like to wish all our current, past and future clients a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
17 December 2024
If you’re about to sign a legally binding contract, then it is important to ensure that all your questions have been answered - read on to find out more.
A row of houses lining a street
by O EVANS 3 December 2024
Are you looking for assistance navigating the buoyant property market? Our expert conveyancing solicitors can help. Get in touch with us today.
by O EVANS 12 November 2024
A news items appears in the Daily Telegraph whereby a widower who has been given a life interest in the family home by his Deceased Wife is challenging the limited benefits of that bequest on the basis that he was married to his Wife for a number of years. To the shock and horror of his family he has made a claim for family provision to seek a capital sum from his Wife’s Estate. This is a timely reminder that your last will and testament is definitely not necessarily the case. You need to make provision in your will for those that should be reasonably within your consideration at the time of your death. To effectively deny your surviving spouse gives rise to a claim for at least 50% of the Deceased’s Estate. We are not sure why the family are horrified that their father would make such a claim.
by O EVANS 7 November 2024
We read with some amusement the recommendation of Martin Lewis to say that a very simple way of mitigating Inheritance Tax is to get married! We are not sure that that dramatic step is the better way of mitigating Inheritance Tax. Our Divorce Department would suggest that it can create as much problems as it solves. The adviser goes on to say that once you have married you can give as much money away as you want without giving rise to a liability for Inheritance Tax. That again is wrong. If you do require advice as to mitigating Inheritance Tax, please contact Mrs. Cotton in our Private Client Department on 01803 299131.
15 October 2024
Learn essential steps to take if involved in a personal injury claim. Discover how Almy & Thomas, personal injury solicitors in Torquay, can assist you.
A woman sits on a sofa, her hands covering her face, expressing a sense of distress
15 October 2024
Explore mediation and court action for resolving family disputes. Understand their differences and how Almy & Thomas can assist you in family law matters.
Show More