Why Writing A Will Is Essential For Business Owners

Most people tend to be lulled into the false sense of security that they don't even have to think about a will yet, because they’re nowhere near the age where they deem its relevant to them. 

As a business owner deciding what would happen to your positions if you passed away isn’t exactly the most pleasant task, but as the responsible owner it is most definitely something that needs to be done as it could cause great complications and unneeded stress to your loved ones. 

A will simply ensures that your assets are shared between the right people, rather than them ending up in the wrong hands or let to battle over – something that you obviously won’t want.

Planning for a Future When You Are Not There

Without a will, all of your possessions end up in the hands of the law, who then decide which assets go to who. 

They don’t just automatically fall into the hands of your loved ones, so it is important to consider this for their sake too. A lot of the time, family members or business partners presume that they will be entitled to so much only to find out that this isn’t the case causing disharmony in the ranks, which isn’t good for the future of the business.

A Will is Good for Business

In some cases where people have passed away, their family home has had to be sold in order to cover their business costs. 

This is a troubling notion for anyone to consider. Once you own a business and have business assets, it makes everything far more complicated. It would be devastating if a business that you spent years building up had to shut down due to your death. 

Furthermore, this could mean that tens or hundreds of your employees would also lose their job which would be a real shame, especially when this could have been avoided with some careful planning. 

Avoid Legal Difficulties

A will also significantly reduces the risk of your business having to shut down due to a legal battle. For example, when the law distributes your assets, they could split your business equally between your next of kin. 

If it was really supposed to go to just one child (because they had actually worked alongside you in the company), then this could result in a heated and lengthy dispute and immense emotional distress for your entire family. 

Furthermore, if it should go to your business partner, you could be faced leaving it behind with a family member that has no experience about your field, ultimately causing problems in a company that you’ve worked so hard to build.

Estate Planning and Inheritance Tax

When you do decide to write up your will, it is important that you consider succession planning, which will increase the advantages of business property relief (BPR). 

This will alleviate inheritance tax for your business, which is a vital area to be precise about in your planning. It ultimately protects your loved ones from being struck with hefty inheritance tax. 

Start Planning Today

The sooner you start planning your will the better to ensure that you and your loves ones are covered, should the unthinkable happen. 

A simple process but one often over looked, there have been thousands of cases where families and businesses are left in jeopardy because people have failed to safeguard for the future. 

Don’t be tempted to leave it until you are growing old or becoming ill, having a will in place will protect your business and your assets in the unfortunate event of sudden death. 

Even if you’re unsure where to start, take the first step by speaking to will solicitors about your options. This will clear up unanswered questions and set you on the right tracks.