Making a will is one of the most thoughtful things a person can ever do. Sadly, not enough people realise the distress and disruption that can be caused for a family when someone dies intestate - without a will. As time goes by, things will change and it is always a good idea, once made, to keep it safe and check it now and again to see if it still reflects your wishes.

MAKING A WILL is the only way to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death. If you have not made a valid will, your property will pass according to the Law of Intestacy. This may not be what you would have wished. In any event it is likely to take longer to finalise than if you had made a will. During this time your beneficiaries may not be able to draw any money from your estate. It can mean arguments and distress for relatives. Making a Will lets your loved ones know that you cared enough to 'sort things out' in advance.

IF YOU are a single person you will want your estate divided amongst friends, relatives and charities of your choosing and in the proportions you want.

IF YOU are a married, don't assume 'my other half will get everything'. Brothers and sisters or parents may have a claim. Often your children have a right to part of your estate. If you are living as a couple but not officially married, you may be treated as a single person and a surviving partner may get nothing at all. One thing you can be certain of - there will be argument and dispute at a time when the family should be coping with the loss of a loved one.

IF YOU are a parent, you should consider who would look after your children in the event of your death. This is particularly important in the case of one-parent families or unmarried parents living together. A valid will nominating guardians is invaluable in such cases. If no one knows what you would have wanted, the Court will decide on the future of your children, and it may not be what you would have wished.

IF YOU are retired maybe you made a Will a long time ago. It probably needs updating to include additional grandchildren or deletion of persons you no longer feel you wish to leave anything to.

Thinking of making a will? Complete the online enquiry form and we can guide you through the process.