Passport, sunglasses, flip-flops… Will?

If you’re longing for summer holidays, you’ll have a check list alongside any booking: you’ll need up-to-date passports, insurances, and visas if necessary. You’ll need to book dogs into kennels and get someone to feed the cat!

But you should also consider making or updating your Will.

It’s awful to think about, but tragedies do happen while people are away on holiday. While no-one wishes to consider such an eventuality, we’re familiar with national and international news headlines which serve to remind us.

This is why an up-to-date Will is essential, whether you’re a couple travelling on your own or holidaying with friends or family.

There are many complex precedents around death and inheritance which can come into play during a holiday. For example, if a married couple die together as a result of a crash or natural disaster, the question is raised of who died first? 

If it cannot be determined, then the law deems the eldest person died first and, with no Will in place, the assets of that person pass to the younger husband or wife – it is then their surviving immediate relatives who inherit. 

Aside from this important reason for making a Will, whether planning a holiday or not, there are many other considerations, including the protection of children and ensuring appropriate provision for spouses and partners. Lasting Powers of Attorney should also be in place to enable a person’s wishes to be carried out, should they be rendered incapacitated, either by injury or ill health.

While we’re all looking forward to warmer weather and a much deserved break, we also wish to stress the importance of planning for the unforeseen.