Who should have a will?

EVERYBODY should make a will, no matter how large or small your wealth, including:

• Retired couples or singles
• Married couples without children
• Married couples with children
• Unmarried couples with children
• Recently separated or divorced couples

Why have a will?

If you don't have a will the Government, via the courts, will split up your estate equally between your relatives, regardless of your relationship with them when you were alive. A judge will also decide who should take care of your children. In the worst case scenario, they could be taken into local authority care.

Often the decision of the courts after death does not match up with a person’s wishes during their lifetime. The Law won’t know that your daughter always wanted to inherit your precious diamond engagement ring, or you intended your son to have an antique clock that has passed down the male side of your family for generations. A will is therefore vital if you care about safeguarding your assets and your children’s futures after you are gone.