Making a Will ‘is best way to create security for cohabitees’

Posted 31/05/2010

Cohabitees have been advised to make a Will in order to avoid inheritance problems should anything happen to either partner.

Property expert Emyr Pierce, writing for the Western Mail, said that a valid Will is the easiest way to ensure adequate provision for the surviving partner after a death.

In response to a reader who said her partner – whose name their shared property was registered under – had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, Mr Pierce said it would be wise to organise their financial affairs so that she would not be required to move home after he passes away.

“To avoid any unnecessary dispute amongst family members, your partner should now consider very carefully the need to make adequate provision for your security,” the expert said.

He also recommended seeking the advice of a solicitor in order to ensure that everything is completely in order from a legal point of view.

A recent poll by Barnardo’s found that 74 per cent of people who are currently cohabiting have not yet made a Will.