Many people think they do not need to make a Will because the Rules of Intestacy will make sure their closest relatives inherit their money and property after their death. But these rules were originally drafted in 1925 and do not cover many common family situations today. Why you need a Will? let us find it out.
- If you live with a partner without being married or in a civil partnership. (Without a Will your surviving partner will have no provision at all after your death under the Intestacy Rules and could even face losing their home).
- If you want to protect step-children. (Your relationship with them is not recognised in the Intestacy Rules).
- If you want to benefit a friend, a charity or another clause close to your heart on your death. The Intestacy Rules will pass your estate on to a fixed list of relatives. Your assets will be transferred to the Crown if all relatives who fall into these categories have died before you.
- If you are getting married (earlier Wills are automatically revoked on marriage).
- If you are separating or divorcing (when you may want to change the people who benefit on your death).
- If you are marrying again.
- At the birth of minor children or grandchildren.
- When you acquire important assets such as a house.