Recent studies published by Citizens Advice indicate that the number of people who have died without making a will has more than doubled within the last five years. Furthermore, it is estimated that two thirds of adults in the UK have not yet made a will, and that a third of us will die without ever having done so.

Rules Of Intestacy

Dying without a will is known as dying ‘intestate’, and if this happens, your estate will be shared out according to the ‘rules of intestacy’. This process will see your estate initially shared out with your registered legal partner – following the deduction of outstanding debts and funeral costs. This will include all of your personal possessions, and the first £250,000 of your estate. If anything is left following this, your registered legal partner will be provided half of what remains, with the other half being divided amongst any children.

Dying intestate is therefore a key source of arguments, bitterness and ill will for many family and friends left behind following your death. Dying without a will means that some of your closest family members, friends, relations by marriage, or favoured charities could be left with no right to inherit anything. It is common for family members to experience intense emotional distress as a result of their loved one dying intestate – the extra trauma of knowing your loved one’s wishes cannot be carried out after their death can be hard to bear.

Why Every Adult Should Make A Will

Because of this, it is recommended that every adult should consider making a will. It is not about being morbid or tempting fate – which are typical reasons for people not to do so – but rather this will ensure that what you want to happen actually does so when you’re gone. To ensure that your wishes are carried out, and to prevent your loved ones from experiencing financial difficulties, a will should be considered an absolute must.

However, will writing is a complex process, and any errors in wording may result in problems afterwards. As a result, we highly recommend that you consult a specialist will writing solicitor such as those we have at Bowsers Solicitors in Wisbech and March.

Not only will our experts ensure your will reflects your wishes, but we provide a sensitive, personal service that will leave you in no doubt that you are valued and cared for. By making a will yourself, you will be showing your loved ones that they are valued and cared for too.