Wills normally rank right up there with pension planning and tax returns when it comes to nasty financial tasks that tend to languish indefinitely
on people’s to-do lists. However, thanks to Free Wills Month Ireland, procrastinators now have a strong incentive to put their affairs in order. In the case of couples making “mirror” wills – ie two separate but identical wills – only one person must have reached 55 to avail of the service. Time is ticking, however. Anyone who wishes to take up the offer must contact one of the participating solicitors by next Thursday, April 30th, to make an appointment. The appointment itself can take place after April 30th. The thinking behind the initiative is that participants may choose to leave a gift for their charity of choice when writing their will, although there is no pressure to do so. But why bother making a will in the first place Is it really necessary That depends on your situation. For footloose, carefree single people with few assets to their name, it’s hardly a priority. But once an individual acquires assets, gets married or has children, it’s time to put their affairs in order. The Free Legal Advice Centres (Flac) says a will is a way of safeguarding the future of those you care for.
“When you die, your affairs must be wound up. There are likely to be outstanding bills to be paid, as well as property which needs to be distributed,” it advises. “Making a will simplifies all of this and allows you to decide who gets what, with minimum delay and hassle.”