Making a Will
Advice

64% of Britons have failed to make a will – what could this mean for surviving family and friends?

Monika Volsing Monika Volsing
2 min read

Research released recently has disclosed that only 36% of Britons have made a will. Not surprisingly 83% are uncomfortable discussing their dying wishes, however many people do not realise what happens upon death of a person in the absence of a will.

Law Society president Nicholas Fluck commented:

“It is extremely concerning that a significant number of people have not written a will and made their final wishes clear. It is understandable that most of us are uncomfortable discussing our dying wishes, especially younger people, but you have nothing to lose and your loved ones can have everything to gain if you ensure your affairs are in order.”

When a person dies without a will they are known as dying intestate. If you watch the hit BBC show “Heir Hunters” you will know that there are strict rules as to who inherits when someone dies intestate. The rules govern which family members have priority in receiving the estate and if there are no family members (or none can be traced) then the estate will go to the crown.

Unfortunately the rules do not allow for any unmarried partners/friends or favourite charities to receive anything from the deceased’s estate which may cause unnecessary stress and suffering.

A correctly drafted will by professionals will ensure that your wishes are clear and your estate will be distributed as you see fit whilst complying with the legal obligations and with consideration given to both tax and family issues.

We would recommend that it is worth either making a will or revising a will in the event of any major family event (births, deaths, marriage, divorce etc) and when buying property; if you jointly own property, how you legally hold it may impact who inherits it upon your death.

For a free no obligation consultation on a Will, please contact Monika Volsing on 0113 320 5000.

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The whole process of sorting out my wife's estate and a lasting power of atorney was made a relatively easy to understand process because the team we dealt with spoke to us in an easy to understand language. They also acted quickly at every stage as well as always keeping us updated if there were any delays.
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Many thanks to Monika and staff at Street Lane office for their help and understanding at what was a very sad time for me. So efficient.Ann Campbell
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Monika made the whole Wil process very simple & was more than happy to explain any concerns we had.
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Emily was a very patient and supportive lady, as we were not very clued in to dealing with some of the internet issues and she guided us through it.Emily made altering our wills a breeze, would use this firm Winston solicitors 100 percent for all our business.
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Emily clearly explained the process to have an Lasting Powers of Attorney for Property and Finance and Health and Welfare.She communicated with precision giving the client the needed information .I would definitely recommend her .
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I was dreading the probate process after my husband sadly died earlier this year. Friends who had been in the same situation warned me it could take months or even years. I didn't even know what it involved, it was a complete mystery to me!Thank good ness for Emily Spencer at Winston solicitors who talked me through the whole process and told me what information I needed to complete the paperwork. Emails and phone queries were answered very promptly and once I'd submitted all the figures the grant of probate was applied for by Emily and was returned within a few weeks, not months! Great result and nothing like the trauma I was anticipating.
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