When someone dies without a Will they are said to be intestate.  What happens next is dictated by the law and in particular, the laws of intestacy.  In many cases the distribution of assets may lead to a result far from that desired or intended.

One example is that the intestacy laws do not recognise unmarried couples. Therefore, an unmarried surviving partner would have no right to any of the deceased partners’ assets under the ‘normal’ law on intestacy.  There might be a chance through legal action but there is no certainity of a successful outcome.

In the case of a married couple with children, the surviving spouse is currently entitled to the first £125,000 of the deceased spouse’s sole assets plus a life interest (an income) from the remaining half.

Just from the two examples above it can be seen that many problems could arise in these circumstances!

So please make New Year Resolution to make or update your Will.  Use a professional specialising in Wills and Estate Planning to ensure that your affairs are in order.

If you would like to arrange a consultation please call Bill Ryan on FREEPHONE 0800 878 6565 or 07942 959599 or use the contact page and I will call you back within one working day.

The home visit Will service is available in Berkshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

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