Wills and testaments
When a person dies without leaving a will the law dictates what is to happen to their possessions.
Whatever the amount of property no account will be given to the wishes of the deceased if there is no will.
When somebody dies without a will the law says he is "intestate". The property, the persons "estate" is divided among members of the family under strict rules contained in the Administration of Estates Act after all bills are paid.
Wills sound like a very complicated legal process, which tends to make people shirk away from them. In truth a will is a letter of wish of how someone's assets should be distributed in the event of their death. It becomes a little more complicated with children and relatives that need to be taken into consideration.
There is no necessity to have a will drawn up by a solicitor but great care needs to be taken as sorting out an unclear will can lead to long and expensive court cases. There are many books and guides and printed forms available to help you. You can download wills from the internet or buy them in a standard format from legal stationers. There are also will writers and advice on-line:
- http://www.bequest.co.uk/
- http://www.ewltd.com/
- http://www.makingawill.org.uk/
- The Society of Will Writers www.willwriters.com/