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ARTICLE · 29 NOVEMBER 2012

Top 5 Tips - Making A Will

DMH Stallard LLP
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If you die without making a Will, you will be said to have died "intestate".

United KingdomFamily and Matrimonial
Belinda Butler-Smith
Belinda Butler-Smith
Sophie Andrews
Sophie Andrews

Belinda Butler-Smith and Sophie Andrews answer some of the key questions our clients ask us concerning making a Will.

1. What happens if I don't have a Will?

If you die without making a Will, you will be said to have died "intestate". If this happens anything you own will be distributed under the intestacy rules. This means the law sets out who should deal with your affairs and who should inherit your estate (money, property and personal possessions). If you die without leaving a Will, it means that you could leave friends and family to deal with complicated affairs in handling your estate.

It may, for example, mean that your civil partner or spouse will have to share your estate with your parents. In some cases that may be a recipe for disaster!

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