Solicitors across Dorset are once again joining forces with Julia’s House (Dorset’s hospice dedicated to children with life-limiting conditions.) to offer their services free of charge for Make a Will Week, 22nd-28th September. The initiative, in its second year, offers the opportunity for adults to make a Will free of charge and all you need to do is contact one of the participating solicitors that week to make an appointment. While taking advantage of this service you will be offered the opportunity to make a donation or leave a legacy to the Dorset children’s hospice.
Research conducted by the National Consumer Council (NCC) revealed that more than 27 million people in England and Wales do not have a Will, leaving their estate wide open. Even more concerning, it is reported that 30% of individuals aged 65 and over, equating to nearly two million people with a life expectancy of less than 20 years, have not made a Will.
Many people may not be aware that if you die without leaving a Will the government can claim your assets, if you have no close relatives, and your wishes may not be followed. A report by Co-operative legal services found that the average Briton is 59 years-old before they even consider writing a Will, however, every year more than 40,000 adults die before they reach this age. The Make a Will Week campaign presents the opportunity for anyone aged over 18 years to ensure their estate is divided according to their wishes by creating a standard Will without paying the usual solicitors fee.
Mike Bartlett, Julia’s House Development Director, commented: “It is frightening that so few people have an up-to-date Will in the UK. It is one of those things that is so important, but is easy to put off. This can mean that families are left at financial risk and that personal wishes are not fulfilled. Make a Will Week is a great time to call and make that all-important appointment you have been putting off and all it will cost you is a donation to Julia’s House. I’ll definitely be updating mine and I encourage everyone else to make the most of this opportunity.”
Over 25 solicitors will be participating in the Julia’s House Make a Will Week, covering Beaminster, Blandford, Bournemouth, Bridport, Broadstone, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Highcliffe, Poole, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Swanage, Wareham, Weymouth and Wimborne. Visit www.julias-house.org for the full list and contact details of participating solicitors. (available as a MS Word document here http://demo2.adido.org.uk/cms/site/docs/2008%20Participating%20Solicitors%20Web.doc)
Bridport solicitor taking part: Austen Whetham & Guest
Elizabeth West
21 South Street
Bridport DT6 3NR
Tel: 01308 422236
If you decide to take up the offer and have a standard Will written you don’t have to leave a gift to Julia’s House. However, any contribution to Julia’s House will help the hospice to care for more children who are unlikely to reach adulthood (defined as beyond the age of 18).
If your Will is not standard, perhaps involving tax or specialist legal advice, the solicitor will tell you and agree a fee before proceeding.