Talking legacies From divorce to death, we hear about the difficult stuff no one wants to talk about until it’s too late. We interviewed a client of will writer Bhavin Gandhi of Paradigm Wills and Legal Services to uncover their thoughts on life and death and why they wrote a will
THE CLIENT
H
usband and wife Rik and Nimisha Pancholi live in Leicester with their two children. Rik is the director of Pattersons Commercial Law and Nimisha is the director of All About Soft Skills. They went to Bhavin for their will and lasting power of attorney.
I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF THE QUESTIONS THAT BHAV ASKED US, AND IT REALLY GOT ME THINKING
Tell me more about your upbringing
Rik: Money was very tight and there was a great deal of emphasis on family rather than materialistic items. Nim: My mum has always been the one who works very hard as dad’s always been quite ill and we don’t come from a lot of money. When I was welcomed by Rik’s family who were very open, it was refreshing, and I’ve learnt a lot about how my own family can be more open.
Why did you need a will and what led you to Paradigm?
R: As our children have grown up, we’ve realised that we need to make sure they’re looked after and adequate provisions have been made for them if we’re not around, to make it clear who will look after them, so our families don’t fight over the children or our intentions. N: I’m not a lawyer and Bhav was very approachable and explained things even to Rik in a manner that just made sense.
As a lawyer, Rik, how much did you already know about wills? R: I understand what a will does and how it works, but it’s not my area of expertise. I didn’t choose another lawyer for my will because, for me, it’s about the personal nature of it and Paradigm’s approach resonated with us.
What did you learn from the experience?
N: I would have never thought of the questions that Bhav asked us, and it really got me thinking – and rightly so. What would happen if the kids got married and then separated, or if one of us remarried and that person doesn’t get on with the kids? It was very thought provoking. R: I was impressed with their foresight and approach, looking at outcomes and what we wanted to achieve.
How did the pandemic affect you?
R: It’s brought home the truth that, at some point, we’re all going to pass away and when you look at something that’s very basic like a will, you realise that it doesn’t cost a lot to put one in place, but the implications are so important.
Which life events have made you re-evaluate? R: When my dad passed away in 2011. I saw the world completely differently.
How do you hope to be remembered?
N: Hopefully as happy people who made an impact on people’s lives. paradigm-wills.com 0116 464 7055
Rik and Nimisha discussing their will with Bhavin 32 | NICHE
