Some legal or will-writing services offer ‘bloodline wills’. But what are bloodline wills, exactly? On this page, you’ll find bloodline wills explained.
What is a bloodline will?
A bloodline will sets a trust in place to keep your estate in your bloodline. We have a separate page to explain what a trust in a will is.
‘Bloodline’ here refers to your direct descendants, such as your children and grandchildren.
If you leave your estate to your children, you may expect it to pass down to your grandchildren eventually, but there’s no guarantee of that. Your children may lose their share in a divorce, for example, or to the council in care home fees.
A bloodline will lets you ensure that your assets stay in your direct family line. If you leave your assets to your partner with a bloodline will, they will pass to your children on your partner’s death, and then to your grandchildren.
As your assets are held in trust, they’re not technically owned by those who inherit, and they therefore can’t be, for example, taken in a divorce. Legally, the assets are owned by the trustees you choose. On a practical level, however, they benefit your family.
Can I provide for my partner or adopted children with a bloodline will?
Yes.
You can set up your bloodline trust to give your partner access to your assets after your death, then to pass those assets down to your children at the end of your partner’s life. Although your partner isn’t technically a part of your bloodline, that doesn’t mean they have to be deprived by your bloodline will.
The word ‘bloodline’ implies relation by blood, but a so-called ‘bloodline’ will can be set up to protect the inheritance of both biological and adopted children and grandchildren.
When setting up any sort of trust in a will, you’ll want to speak to a professional and make your wishes clear.
Bloodline wills and care fee protection
If you set up a bloodline will, it won’t prevent your assets from being taken into account by the council if you need care yourself. The trust set out by the will is only established after you die.
However, once your assets are inherited after your death, they will be held in trust and cannot be taken into account if, for example, your partner eventually needs care. Therefore, your estate will be protected for your children.
For more information on care home fees, take a look at our guide, ‘Avoiding Care Home Fees Is Harder Than You Might Think’.
How can I find out more about bloodline wills?
If you’re curious about how much bloodline wills cost or how to set one up yourself, we have a team of legal experts you can speak to for free advice. Our number is 0800 044 9569, give us a call.