Write a will and protect your family in just fifteen minutes with Beyond
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IT might feel too expensive or time-consuming to write a will, especially if you have a young family and money is tight.
But it's very important, because if the worst happens then it could leave your loved-ones with severe financial problems.
Half of adults and, according to research by Which?
For nearly two thirds of UK parents that means that should something happen, there is no legally enforceable statement of wishes about the things that matter most.
is one company looking to change that, spreading the word about online wills and making it easier for parents to write a will themselves.
Not having one can have big implications: it can affect how an estate is divided, including property, vehicles and savings (like a pension). And it can affect who gets heirlooms like jewellery, and even who is entrusted with pets.
Crucially for families, not having a will can also affect the naming of guardians of any children under 18.
While one common belief is that husbands, wives or civil partners automatically receive everything, that isn’t always true.
What happens to the estate of someone who dies, depends on factors including the size of the estate itself.
Celebs who died without leaving a will or failed to update it
Executors for Princess Diana decided to give her god children small mementos, rather than the more generous gifts detailed in a "letter of wishes". This was attached to her will, but was not legally binding
Barry White left children, wives and girlfriends fighting over his fortune when he died in 2003 at the age of 58
Bob Marley died aged 36 without leaving a will so his six children, "baby mothers" and wife Rita were left squabbling over his multi-million pound fortune
Stieg Larsson, the author of The Girl who Played with Fire, died without leaving a will, so his estate was inherited by his father, rather than his partner
Jill Dando's dad also inherited £607,000 after she was murdered aged 37 outside her home in Fulham, south west London
Ending such uncertainty is where Beyond wants to step in. The company offers several "after life" services, but its is probably the most important for parents and families.
The service is quick, taking around 15 minutes to use, and it’s affordable too.
According to , a "simple will" can cost between £144 and £240 - though prices can start from £50 for a single person and £95 for a joint one.
Beyond charges £90 for a single will, while its option for couples is £135 - both including a will registration fee worth £30.
Plus, all Beyond's wills are checked by experts, securely stored and are legally binding.
If you’re concerned about future changes you might need to make, for an additional £10 per year (£20 for couples) Beyond allows for unlimited updates and provides physical storage too.
So should you need to make updates, or you create a will and your own circumstances change (for example marriage, which can make a will void) you can ensure your online will can be easily updated.
If you are without one, you can write a will today in .
Beyond's live support can provide help for any queries along the way, while you can provide certainty for your family quickly and without a high cost.
Remember, it's always important to compare prices and policies before signing up to a will writing service - and you may also want to get legal or financial advice.
If you are aged 55 or over, many firms offer during the months of March and October.
- Write a will with Beyond