Lockharts are pleased to announce they are founder members of the UK’s National Online Will Register ‘Certainty.co.uk’ endorsed by both the Law Society and STEP. The Register is fully electronic and provides a simple three step process to record the details so that your Will is not lost, misplaced or forgotten over the passage of time. Readers are invited to enquire of Lockharts both as to writing a new Will (see our private client page) or register an existing Will at any time. All wills written prior to 1st February 2008 are eligible to be registered on the national register at nil charge.
For an enquiry to be made by the general public (as to an existing will) Certainty.co.uk charge an entry fee of £20.00.
Why Register?
In a recent survey 67% of people in the UK did not know where to find their parents’ Wills.
What Does The Register Do?
· The Register records that we are holding your Will – the Register entry records only the name and date of the Will, but specifically excludes any content.
· Following your death the Register would give us details about anyone who asks about your Will.
· We answer the query if it is legitimate, but if not we ignore it, thus protecting your privacy.
Sadly, none of us are immortal and we cannot take our possessions with us. Regularly reviewing your Will and having it registered is one of the most important things you can do for your family and close friends.
The situation as to the transferability of Inheritance Tax (Nil Rate Band), following the Finance Act 2008, has simplified matters as to whether the Nil Rate Band should be left unused until the second death where spouses/civil partners are concerned.
If you do not have an existing Will, or alternatively are concerned that your Will is not up to date, please do not hesitate to contact our Wills and Financial Planning specialist, Andrew Murdoch by e-mailing him on am@lockharts.co.uk or telephoning him on 020 7383 7111.
