At P. Haughey & Co. Solicitors Dungannon, we’ve been providing high-quality legal services since 1991. One area we specialise in is Wills, Probate & Estate Planning. Our experienced solicitors in Dungannon and the Moy are committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of creating a will and planning their estate in a way that reflects their wishes.
Recent statistics have highlighted the critical need for these services in Northern Ireland. We’re here to help you understand why estate planning should be a priority for everyone, no matter their age or financial situation.
Why Estate Planning Matters?
A recent survey found that 68% of adults in Northern Ireland don’t have a will—the highest percentage in the UK.
Without a will, your assets are distributed under default government rules. This often leads to outcomes that don’t align with your wishes and may create confusion or disputes.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
When you die without a valid will, you are considered to have died “intestate.” This can lead to several complications that can cause emotional and financial stress for loved ones. Here are some of the risks associated with dying intestate:
- Your estate may not be distributed as you would have wished
- Your loved ones may face additional stress and potential conflicts
- The process of settling your estate can become more time-consuming and expensive
Why People Delay Writing a Will?
There are several reasons why people delay writing a will. Here are some of the most common reasons people procrastinate:
- Assumption of insufficient wealth: Many believe they can wait until later in life to make a will—especially if they don’t have a large estate. But life is unpredictable, and delaying this decision could leave loved ones facing unnecessary legal complications.
- Procrastination until later in life: It’s easy to assume that there’s plenty of time to write a will. Unfortunately, life is unpredictable, and it’s impossible to know when we will need to put our plans into action. Estate planning should be part of your broader financial planning, regardless of age.
- Belief that assets will automatically go to the right people: Many people assume that their assets will go automatically to their spouse or children when they pass away. While this may be the case in some situations, intestacy laws are often more complicated than most people realise. A will ensures that your wishes are legally binding and that your assets go to the individuals you choose.
- Emotional resistance and denial: Many delay writing a will because it means facing their own mortality—an understandably uncomfortable thought. As Karen Barrett, chief executive of unbiased.co.uk, explains, “Writing a will clearly has significant emotional implications, so it’s likely that people delay doing it through a mixture of denial and simply not getting around to it.”
Who Ensures Your Will Is Settled as You Wish?
Once you have created a will, it’s important to designate someone to ensure that your wishes are carried out. These people are known as executors. Executors are responsible for the administration of your estate and ensuring your requests in the will are fulfilled. You can choose your spouse, children, family members, or friends as your executors.
Many think making a will is costly, but it’s affordable compared to the complications of dying intestate. Costs depend on whether you need a single or joint will. Contact our Dungannon solicitors to find out more.
Get Professional Help from Experienced Solicitors
At P. Haughey & Co., we understand how daunting it can feel to write a will, but we’re here to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team offers a client-focused approach, ensuring your estate planning is done right. With decades of experience in various areas of law, we’ll make the process simple and stress-free for you.
Why Choose Us?
Our solicitors bring a wealth of experience in all areas of law, particularly Wills & Probate. With our expertise, we can help you plan your estate in a way that meets your goals and minimises any potential tax burdens.
Here are a few reasons why it’s important to seek professional advice when making a will:
- Expertise and knowledge of the law: Our Dungannon solicitors specialise in estate law, helping you minimise tax burdens and protect loved ones.
- Avoiding common mistakes: Many people make common mistakes when drafting their own wills, such as using unclear language, forgetting to update their will after major life changes, or failing to appoint the right executors. A solicitor can help you avoid these mistakes and ensure that your will is clear and legally sound.
- Peace of mind: Working with professional solicitors provides peace of mind, knowing that your estate planning is in the hands of experts.
We can also assist with drafting an enduring Power of Attorney, giving you the peace of mind that someone you trust will be able to manage your affairs if you’re ever unable to do so yourself.
Take Action Today
Don’t let your estate become part of the statistics. Contact P. Haughey & Co. Solicitors Dungannon today for expert advice on wills and estate planning. Our friendly and approachable team is committed to providing the best quality service, ensuring that your wishes are properly documented and your loved ones are protected.
Remember, it’s never too early to start planning for the future. Let us help you gain peace of mind by creating a will that truly reflects your wishes and protects your legacy. Whether you’re in Dungannon or anywhere in Northern Ireland, our experienced solicitors in Dungannon are here to guide you every step of the way.
