HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP We owe it to our families to spare them the agony of wondering what we would have wanted, and to get the paperwork done so they don t end up inheriting a headache, said Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. If your parents have written a will, they re already in the minority of the most organised. It makes a huge difference, not only because it divides their estate exactly as they want, but also because whoever is left distributing the estate knows they ll be carrying out their loved one s wishes. But once you ve drawn up a will, the job is only half done, because there are other vital documents to consider, from a lasting power of attorney to a register of assets which reduces the seemingly endless admin that comes with tying up an estate.
How to make a will: As the pandemic sees a spike in Britons writing wills, we ask the experts for some tips on leaving an efficient inheritance
Will writer Farewill says 267% more people made online and telephone wills using its service in 2020, and that the increase was led by those under 35
Day Boris Johnson went into intensive care was the most popular to make a will
We asked four experts what you need to know when leaving an inheritance
Now we’re in the throes of a third lockdown, once-simple tasks have become near-impossible challenges.
So here, AMELIA MURRAY offers a guide to navigating the various twists and turns of the money errands that should be straightforward.
Now we’re in the throes of a third lockdown, once-simple tasks have become challenges
ARE BANK BRANCHES REMAINING OPEN?
While there are some temporary closures, most branches are open for reduced hours, shutting between 2pm and 3pm. At HSBC, the majority of sites are open from 10am to 4pm, with some closing at 2pm.
Banks are urging customers to visit only if essential, for example to deposit cash. Otherwise you may be directed online or to telephone banking.