Page 58 • The HERALD • 8th January 2026 v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 29TH JANUARY v ASK A PROFESSIONAL 6 REASONS WHY PARENTS SHOULD HAVE A WILL by Hertage Will Writing 1. Appointing guardians e appointment of guardians only takes e ect in the event of both parents passing away whilst the children are under the age of 18. e appointment of guardians needs to be given careful thought and planning. A common misconception is that if you have chosen godparents, then they would step forward in order to raise the children, however this isn’t the case. 2. Financial planning for the children It is reported that the average amount of money spent on raising a child from birth to the age of 18 in the UK (including housing and childcare costs) is £233,256. Careful planning must be considered to ensure the guardians are provided for with su cient funds in order to raise the children. 3. Revise beneficiaries from Trusts, pensions or life policies If you have assets held in Trust, a life insurance policy or a pension scheme, these may not be passed down as per the provisions under the Will. It is recommended to contact the providers and nominate your bene ciaries speci cally. 4. Age of inheritance e law currently states that a child’s inheritance is held for them until their 18th birthday. For many families this can be a concerning thought and for many, they choose to delay the inheritance age – such as 21, 23 or 25. 5. Appointment of Trustees If you die before the age you have chosen for the children to inherit, their assets will be held in a Trust for their bene t. You will need to choose who you would like to nominate as Trustee to look a er the Trust on behalf of the children. 6. Marriage or partnership Perhaps you completed your Will many years ago having purchased your rst property. Life quickly becomes busy, especially with life’s larger milestones such as marriage/civil partnership and welcoming children into the family. For many, reviewing their Will is the last thing on their minds and are not aware that the legal act of marriage or entering into a civil partnership formally revokes any previous Will you have made if the Will does not include a contemplation clause. erefore, it is important to regularly review your Will, especially if you are engaged or are expecting, to ensure that the change in circumstances have been included under the terms of your Will. Call Heritage Will Writing on 023 8087 9243. Upcoming Oakhaven Business Club Networking Events Oakhaven Business Club runs regular networking events with local businesses across the New Forest, Waterside and Totton. Businesses can pay-as-you-go per person per session, or become an annual member. Thursday 29th January, 10am–12noon, kick o the New Year in style with a delicious cream tea at Stanwell House with guest speaker Tina Worthing from Aventina Training who will be talking all about prioritising for the year ahead, £15. Tuesday 3rd March, 12noon-2pm, enjoy a delicious 2 course lunch at the beautiful Tonic Rooms based at Sunny elds Farm, £27.50. For more information about how to join the Oakhaven Business Club or to book a space for one of their networking events please visit: www. oakhavenhospice.co.uk/oakhaven-business-club
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