Well that really depends on whether you are happy for your
estate to pass in accordance with the law or in accordance with
your own wishes – which may differ significantly!
I always use myself (a few years back now) as a good example as
to why a will is important. At that time, I was living in a free
hold property which was owned wholly by my partner, but to which I
contributed half the mortgage and costs. We had been together a
number of years, but were unmarried and neither of us had a will.
Did it matter? Would either of us be left in a mess if something
happened to one of us? In short, yes!
Jersey succession law, which determines how your assets pass on
your death, and whether your will is valid, is unusual and
interesting. It is a complex mix of influences from English common
law and French civil law.
