The support St Luke’s receives from the business community makes a big difference to us and this year many local solicitors are once again generously giving their time for free during our annual Make a Will Week (13 – 17 May), in return for donations to our charity.

Despite it being straightforward to do and saving loved ones unnecessary distress at an already difficult time, many people do not have a will. In fact, in the UK 77% of parents with children under five do not have one*.

With this in mind, our campaign is highlighting the peace of mind creating a will – or updating an existing one – can bring.

Not only does it make it less stressful and time consuming for your friends and family to

sort everything out, a will avoids everything you own being shared out in a standard way defined by law, which might not be what you want.

Making a will is especially important if you have children or other family who depend on you financially, or if you want to leave something to people outside your immediate family.

It is also wise to have a will if you own a business – whether in partnership or as a sole trader – stating how you wish the business to be administered in the event of your death. Failure to do this will result in a delayed or protracted process that can result in your family receiving less money than if you had a will in place before your death, or not being able to access equity in the business at a time when they might need it most.

The companies taking part in Make a Will Week include Portcullis Legals, who kindly provide this service all year round in aid of St Luke’s. Other participating include: Beers LLP Kingsbridge; Bright Solicitors; Evans Harvey; Fursdon Knapper; GA Solicitors; Gard & Co; Howard & Over; Kitsons; Roper James; Start Point Law; SW Law; The Will Centre; Wolferstans, and Woolcombe Yonge.

If you or anyone you know want to take advantage of Make a Will Week and get an appointment between 13 and 17 May, simply contact one of these solicitors to make an appointment, quoting ‘St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth Make a Will Week’.

More information can be found here!

*Source: Russell & Russell Solicitors