Expression of Wishes

Planning for the inevitable One of the most vital steps you can take to safeguard your family’s wellbeing is to ensure that you have a well prepared will. At Lowes, we understand that contemplating your legacy can be an emotional task, but it is a crucial one. By crafting a thoughtful will, you not only provide your loved ones with much needed peace of mind during an already distressing time, but you also pave the way for a smoother transition into the future. However, the journey doesn’t end with the creation of a will. Knowing its whereabouts and navigating the intricate world of probate can be overwhelming for your family and executors. Most people find themselves unprepared for this daunting and, at times, disproportionately expensive process. Lowes work hand in hand with a network of experienced solicitors to offer you comprehensive assistance providing support in ensuring you have a properly prepared and up to date will. Additionally, together with these professionals, we can provide your family with the guidance and support they need to minimise inconvenience and expenses following your passing. Whether you’ve never prepared a will or haven’t reviewed it recently, we’re here to help. Once your will is up to date, we encourage you to consider taking the extra step of recording and storing it with the National Will Register, adding an extra layer of security to your legacy by ensuring your loved ones can locate your will when required, sparing them unnecessary stress and difficulty during an already challenging time. What sets us apart is our commitment to your family’s wellbeing. The expression of wishes form, found overleaf, is not legally binding but serves as a request to your executors to turn to Lowes for assistance. When requested, we will diligently assess your needs and tender the work to our network of solicitors, striving to minimise fees whenever possible. We do not charge for this service. Furthermore, for estates subject to inheritance tax, the expression of wishes also presents an opportunity for your beneficiaries to consider redirecting 10% of the taxable portion to registered charities, under special rules. This strategic move can reduce the tax rate from 40% to 36% meaning that the charitable act has minimal impact on your loved ones whilst disproportionally benefitting charities. Lowes Financial Management is dedicated to helping you secure a brighter future for your family and ensure that no aspect of your legacy is a burden to your loved ones, particularly at what would already be a distressing time. Let us guide you and your family through the complexities of estate planning, will preparation and probate, ensuring that your wishes are honoured, and your loved ones are well cared for during their time of need. Never hesitate to contact us or encourage family members to do so. What is an expression of wishes? This document is an expression of wishes and should accompany your will. Unlike your will, an expression of wishes document is not legally binding, but instead, it provides guidance to your loved ones and those dealing with your estate and other assets on your preferred choices after your death. Registering your will You can easily register your will, or someone can do it for you by visiting: nationalwillregister.co.uk/register-a-will/ It’s a simple process, with a fee of £30, and provides assurance that your will can be located at the time that it is needed. Registering your will ensures your loved ones are aware of your final wishes and assists in preventing the incorrect distribution of your estate. That’s where we come in...

Lowes Financial Management Limited, Fernwood House, Clayton Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1TL. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No. 1115681. Lowes.co.uk/hello enquiry@Lowes.co.uk 0191 281 8811

Expression of Wishes to be considered by my executors and beneficiaries

Estate administration I express my wish that, upon my demise, my executors and beneficiaries consider engaging the services of Lowes Financial Management, a reputable financial and wealth management firm located at Fernwood House, Clayton Road, Newcastle NE2 1TL, to provide guidance and assistance in matters related to my estate, including but not limited to identifying an appropriate, cost-effective source of legal advice for probate proceedings, for which Lowes Financial Management will not charge a fee. I have been a client of Lowes Financial Management and I hold their expertise and professionalism in high regard. I believe that their knowledge and experience can be valuable in ensuring the efficient administration of my estate and the faithful execution of the provisions of my will. While I recognise that the final choice of advisers and professionals rests with my executors and beneficiaries, I trust that you will give due consideration to my expressed wish in this regard. I hope that by engaging Lowes Financial Management, you will receive the necessary support and guidance to navigate the legal and financial complexities that may arise during the execution of my estate. I make this expression of wishes with the sincere hope that it will contribute to the orderly and efficient administration of my estate and provide peace of mind to my loved ones during this challenging time. Charitable bequest to benefit from reduced rate of Inheritance Tax I further express my wish that if not already accommodated in the provisions of my will and my estate is subject to an Inheritance Tax charge, my executors and beneficiaries give consideration to a Deed of Variation of my last will to direct that 10% of my chargeable estate, as calculated for Inheritance Tax purposes, shall be left to charity. This charitable bequest is intended to qualify for the reduced Inheritance Tax rate of 36% on the balance of the chargeable element of my estate, as provided by Schedule 1A of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984. If I have not named a charity or charities below, or they no longer exist, my beneficiaries may select a registered charity or charities that they, in their absolute discretion, believe to be most closely aligned with my charitable intentions but if they are unable to agree they should direct the bequest to Charities Aid Foundation (Registered Charity Number 268369) Legacy Division with a view to qualifying for the reduced rate of Inheritance Tax whilst giving my beneficiaries separate accounts to use to support UK registered charities at their discretion. I make this expression of wishes with the sincere hope that it will benefit worthy causes whilst reducing the Inheritance Tax due on my estate and as such have a relatively low impact on my beneficiaries.

Charity or charities to be considered (optional):

Name:

Signature:

Date:

Once signed, please lodge this document with your will and discuss your wishes with your loved ones. If you do not currently have a will or the time has come to review your current will, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Lowes Financial Management Limited, Fernwood House, Clayton Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1TL. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No. 1115681. Lowes.co.uk/hello enquiry@Lowes.co.uk 0191 281 8811