People ‘should not underestimate the importance of a Will’

Posted 19/07/2010

Wills

Speaking to the Gloucestershire Citizen, law expert Rhian Rees warned dying without a valid Will – referred to in legal terms as dying intestate – can be disastrous for the relatives left behind.

She added that cohabiting couples may be most badly-affected by their partner dying intestate, as they run the risk of losing their home if it was not jointly owned and may see all their assets passed to the Crown when there are no living family members.

‘Although death is always an uncomfortable issue for discussion, the importance of writing a Will should never be underestimated,’ Ms Rees remarked.

The expert urged anyone who has not yet done so to get a Will professionally drawn-up to make sure their wishes are adhered to after their death.

Financial expert Adeline Christy recently pointed out in an article for the Aberdeen Press and Journal that a well-planned Will and carefully-organised affairs could help to reduce inheritance charges for surviving children.