Three Years of Helping You Plan for the Future - And Three Myths About Wills
This month marks three years since I took the leap to set up my own business, helping people take control of their future through proper estate planning. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ve had the privilege of supporting so many individuals and families in protecting what matters most to them.
In that time, I’ve also heard plenty of misconceptions about Wills—and these myths can leave people unprotected without realising it. So, to mark my three-year anniversary, let’s bust three common myths about Wills and estate planning!
💡 Myth 1: "I don’t need a Will—everything will go to my spouse automatically."
🔍 Truth: Many people assume that if they’re married or in a civil partnership, their partner will inherit everything. However, this isn’t always the case. Under intestacy rules (the legal process that applies when there’s no Will), your spouse may not inherit everything—especially if you have children.
Without a Will, the law decides who gets what, which might not reflect your wishes. Creating a Will ensures your assets are passed on exactly as you intend.
💡 Myth 2: "I don’t own much, so I don’t need a Will."
🔍 Truth: A Will isn’t just about wealth. Even if you don’t own a house or have significant savings, your Will allows you to:
· Appoint guardians for your children
· Decide who receives personal possessions, heirlooms, or sentimental items
· Make charitable gifts or donations
· Ensure loved ones aren’t left dealing with unnecessary complications
A Will gives you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be carried out, no matter the size of your estate.
💡 Myth 3: "Once I’ve written my Will, I never need to change it."
🔍 Truth: Life changes, and so should your Will. Major milestones—such as getting married, having children, buying a property, or even getting divorced—can affect how your estate is handled.
For example, marriage automatically invalidates your existing Will, unless it was written in contemplation of marriage. Many people don’t realise this and assume their previous Will still applies.
I always recommend reviewing your Will every three to five years, or whenever a major life change occurs.
Three Years of Helping You Plan—Could You Be Next?
Over the past three years, I’ve helped so many people secure their future with proper estate planning. If you’ve been putting off writing or updating your Will, now is the perfect time to take action.
📞 Call me: 0115 824 4960
📧 Email me: hannah@hannahhowesolicitor.co.uk
Thank you for being part of my journey over the past three years—I look forward to helping even more people in the years ahead!