Why should I make a will?

Making a will is the only way to ensure that your personal wishes are accurately dealt with after your death, thus providing you with complete peace of mind.

In England and Wales, unlike Scotland and many other countries, there is no compulsory share to which a member of your family is entitled on your death. You are therefore completely free as to how you dispose of your estate subject only to the statutory rights which a former spouse, a surviving spouse, children and certain other persons who might have if they were dependent on you. Otherwise, the Courts generally have no power to interfere with any of the dispositions in your will unless they are called upon to resolve a problem of construction or interpretation.

It is very important for everyone to make a will, since it is the only means by which you can dispose of your property on your death in accordance with your wishes. In addition, a will enables you to give directions as to the guardianship of your children and your funeral arrangements. Also, depending on the wording of your will, and your personal circumstances, you will be able to take advantage of the various inheritance tax exemptions and reliefs which are available.

Finally, by making a will you can avoid dying intestate. If you die not having made a will then you die intestate which would mean that the application of statute law  would govern the disposition of your property. This would inevitably be more costly, complicated and would not necessarily deal with your affairs as you would personally wish.