Why does having a Will Matter? (Guest Post)

This guest post was written by Vincents Solicitors (Penwortham), one of Galloways’ valued corporate supporters.

Nobody likes to think about having to make a Will, and it’s often something many of us put off for another day. However, making a Will is more than just a legal formality — it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect the people you care about.

A well-prepared Will can bring peace of mind, both for the person making it and for their loved ones in the future. It ensures your wishes are respected and gives you the chance to reflect your values and support the causes that matter most to you.

What happens if you don’t have a Will?

If you pass away without a Will, the law decides who inherits your estate. This is known as the rules of intestacy. It means your assets may not go where you would want them to.

Unmarried partners, stepchildren, or close friends — people who may be central to your life — could be left out altogether.

Without clear instructions, families can also face confusion, stress, and sometimes disputes during an already difficult time.

The benefits of making a Will

A Will gives you control and reassurance. It allows you to:

• Protect your loved ones by ensuring your partner, children, or dependants are provided for

• Prevent disputes by leaving clear instructions

• Choose who inherits, whether that’s family, friends, or others

• Support causes you care about, by leaving a gift to charity

• Appoint guardians for children under 18

• Plan ahead financially, helping to make things simpler for your family and potentially reduce inheritance tax

Leaving a legacy that truly makes a difference

Once loved ones are provided for, many people choose to leave a gift to charity in their Will. These gifts, often called legacies, are a powerful way to create something positive that continues into the future.

Leaving a charitable legacy can:

• Ensure your values live on by supporting the causes closest to your heart

• Allow you to make a difference without affecting your finances today

• Reduce inheritance tax, as gifts to charity are exempt in the UK and may reduce the overall tax rate applied to your estate

Leaving a gift in your Will is more than a financial decision — it’s a way of writing your story into the future and helping others for years to come.

How Vincents Solicitors can help

Writing a Will can feel daunting, but support is available. The team at Vincents Solicitors in Penwortham can guide you through the process step by step, explain everything clearly, and help ensure your Will reflects your wishes in a legally sound way.

Taking the time to make a Will now can bring peace of mind for the future.

Thanks to the team at Vincent’s Solicitors in Penwortham for their expert knowledge and continued support of Galloways.

Gifts in Wills help Galloways continue supporting people living with sight loss across Lancashire and beyond — from practical support and advice, to wellbeing and community services. Your solicitor will be happy to advise you on how you can remember Galloways in your Will.