You can decide who inherits your estate upon your death. If you do not leave a Will, then your property will be left to your closest relatives according to the intestacy rules.

If you are married or in a civil partnership, and you are in the process of getting divorced or applying for dissolution, this generally means that your husband/wife/civil partner would be left your entire estate.

If you are cohabiting then your partner will not be left your estate under the intestacy rules.

You can choose your executors. These are the people responsible for administering your estate in accordance with your wishes. If there is no Will, then executors will be appointed according to the intestacy rules and this will usually mean that your husband/wife/civil partner will be the person appointed.

If you have children, you can appoint guardians for them in your Will. These are the people who will take care of your children should both parents die before the children reach the age of 18. Please note that godparents do not automatically become guardians on your death.

You may be surprised to learn that your estate could be affected by inheritance tax. It may be possible to incorporate some tax saving devices in your Will.

If you are in the process of going through a divorce, or dissolution, it is imperative that you have a Will, or update your Will, to protect your children and other members of your family, or your new partner if applicable.

If you are cohabiting it is imperative that you have a Will, or update your Will, to protect your partner.

It is important that everybody makes a Will to ensure that the people they want to benefit from their estate upon their death do.

If you die without leaving a Will or any living family, your estate could go to the Crown.

If you would like more details about making a Will please contact our Wills and Estate Planning Department