Making a Will

People today organise their lives differently from the more formal relationships expected in the past, and the law has not always kept pace with changes in society. The result can be that whilst relationships are comfortable and natural to the participants they are not recognised and treated by the law in quite the same way.

The general rules in relation to survivorship favour husband and wife couples and the children of their relationships. Even in those relationships the law may sometimes produce a less than ideal outcome for the distribution of a person's estate. If no Will is left, an intestacy arises and the law sets out who is entitled to benefit and to what extent. Many people would be surprised to learn, for instance, that a surviving spouse will not necessarily be entitled to the whole of his or her deceased spouse's estate. Complicated legal structures may be created by operation of law, creating confusion at an already difficult time.

Every adult should think about making a Will, to set out in writing what he or she wishes to happen when they are no longer around. Careful consideration should be given to the assets that they hold and who in the event of their death they would like to benefit. Even those who have already made a Will should revisit the issue on a regular basis. Marriage, separation, divorce, bankruptcy, illness and changes in tax laws should be considered as life events prompting the need for a review of existing Will provisions.

Widdows Mason can assist you in tailoring a will to your specific needs and circumstances, bringing in financial advisers and tax experts where appropriate.

For more information contact Janet Calvert.