Why you shouldn’t die without making a Will
Whitebrook Wills - Friday, October 23, 2015
We have noticed an increase in distress phone calls and emails from families and un-married partners left behind after a loved one has died without leaving a Will.
When this happens the law always decides under the Intestacy Rules who gets what and how much, regardless of your relationship with those people.
By leaving a Will that states clearly who should – and in some cases, who should not – get your property and money you can prevent unnecessary distress at an already difficult time for your family and friends.
Common rules if you don’t make a Will
- If you’re not married and not in a civil partnership, your partner is not legally entitled to anything when you die
- Unmarried partners are not permitted to apply for Letters of Administration, this has to be done by the next of kin
- If you’re married your husband or wife may inherit most or all of your estate and your children may get nothing. This is true even if you are separated.
- Any Inheritance Tax that your estate has to pay may be higher than it would be if you had made a Will
- If you die with no living close relatives your whole estate will belong to the Crown or to the Government
True story, don’t let this happen to you
When the man of a cohabiting un-married couple died suddenly, his estranged wife applied for Letters of Administration. She was then able to sell his house forcing the partner to leave empty-handed. His whole estate wen to the estranged wife whom he had left ten years previously. His partner ended up with nothing.
Make a start on your Will today by arranging a free home consultation with us.
Wills are not as expensive as you may think and, compared to the distress caused by not having one, can be remarkably good value.
