Can't Take It With You

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Can't Take It With You

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A six-part series on wills and inheritance is being aired on BBC 2 over the next 6 weeks. “Can’t Take It With You” shows you the lives of families who face the consequences and dilemmas of making a will.

The six episodes are being shown on BBC2 every Friday at 9pm.

What happens if you die without a valid will?

If you die without leaving a valid will, your estate will be divided up according to the rules of intestacy. These rules are complicated, and not always satisfactory in the way they apply. If your estate is relatively small, your children may not inherit anything. On the other hand if it is a large estate, your husband or wife may find themselves inheriting far less than they expected.

These rules also do not consider the position of some modern families such as unmarried cohabitees and step-children who are not normally provided for under the intestacy rules.

Deciding who gets what in a will can be one of the toughest choices anyone can have to make but making no decisions at all and dying without a will can cause problems for the family.

Sarah Begley, Probate Executive at QualitySolicitors Martin Tolhurst says, “It is very surprising that many people today still make no provision for their cohabitees, even if they have children with them. There is an assumption that they will be given the same rights as a surviving spouse or civil partner. Sadly, the process of obtaining financial provision means that the surviving cohabitee will have to make a claim on the deceased's estate, which can be very costly, take a long time and can also be emotionally draining. A will can easily remedy this situation.

With more complicated family situations nowadays, second marriages, step children, loans from parents for deposits on property to name a few it is commonsense to ensure that your wishes will be carried through by making a valid will.”

What to do now

QualitySolicitors Martin Tolhurst recommend you take the time to decide how you want your estate dealt with on your death and who you would like to benefit. We are able to provide clear and straightforward advice on matters relating to writing a will and the consequences of it.

If you would like to discuss your will then please call 08000 271 452 to arrange an appointment at any one of our three offices.