Kaslers Solicitors LLP

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None of us like to think about our death and making a Will is therefore often the last thing on our minds.  However, if you die without having made a will, your estate may not go to the people you want it to and loved ones could be left without the support they need.

If you die intestate (that is without making a Will) the laws of Intestacy determine how your assets are divided up.  If you are married and your estate is worth less than £250,000, the whole amount will go to your wife.  If you have been married before and have children from the first marriage, you may have wanted your children to receive a share of your estate.  This will not happen.

A Will is particularly important when a couple are not married.  If you are cohabiting and you die intestate, your estate will pass to your nearest blood relative, leaving your partner with nothing.  The Law Commission are currently looking at possible changes to the law in respect of unmarried partners but it may be some time before these are approved and implemented. 

It may be that you have elderly relatives that you are assisting financially.  If you do not leave a Will, they will get no further support from your estate.

By making a Will it is possible to ensure that your assets go where you want them to.  You can even allow a partner or second wife to enjoy the income from your assets by giving them a life interest in them but then ensuring that on their death the assets will pass to someone you nominate, for example children from a first marriage.

By not making a Will you leave a financial muddle which can lead to family disputes and in some cases to loved ones having to establish their claim to the Court and prove their financial dependency on you before they receive any benefit.

It is not necessary to see a solicitor to make a Will.  Do-it-yourself packages are sold in most stationers.  However it is easy to leave a Will that it is too vague to be implemented or that simply does not do what you want it to.

For peace of mind it is often better to see a solicitor to make sure that your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected.

A reasonably straightforward Will can cost in the region of £200 and a mirror Will for your husband/wife/partner can be prepared at the same time for an additional cost of around £100/£150.

If you would like to discuss any of the above issues with someone who will understand your concerns and who can assist you to leave a Will that reflects your wishes, please contact Vanessa Adamson 01622 844 607 .