If you don’t have a will, what happens?

Approximately two-thirds of UK adults do not have a valid will. Many believe that wills aren’t necessary as they don’t have enough assets or that they are too young to need a will.

But the benefits of having a will are not purely financial and are essential whatever stage of life you may be in. If you pass away without a valid will you run the risk of your estate and assets being shared under the rules of intestacy. The rules of intestacy dictate how the estate is shared out and may not be in accordance with your wishes.

Don’t have a will and have children?

For those who have children, a will can set out the arrangements of who should take care of them should you pass away whilst they are still a minor. If you don’t have a will, your children may not be cared for, and it may come down to a local authority to decide.

Without putting in place this essential document, you could also be putting your family in a difficult position to make complex decisions.

Together with the above, there may be further uncertainty as to who should be involved with the administration of the estate. Will this be your spouse or can the children be involved as well?

Ex-spouses, step-children, estranged family – could they be entitled or make a claim?

Whether you are married, single, have children or none, or if you want control over who receives your assets and re-assurance over the well-being of your family when you pass away, you need to make a will.

Creating a will is a straightforward process. For further information on will creation see our advice section here.

Contact our team on 01270 625478 to discuss your options.