Legal Updates

Will warnings ''still being ignored''

Date:  18 Aug 2008

Many people continue to ignore warnings over the dangers of dying intestate, it has been claimed.

According to Sheffield-based solicitor Mary Butler, regular news items instructing estate owners to form a will are still being ignored, reports the Sheffield Telegraph.

She claims that many individuals still remain unaware of the consequences dying without making provisions for the distribution of their estate, which can include family members taking each other to court over claims to assets.

Under current intestacy provisions, the surviving spouse is only entitled to £125,000 where a will is not made, with the majority of assets passing to any children.

Ms Butler states that the entitlement figure was set in 1993 and has not increased since to reflect the actual current value in monetary terms, taking into account inflation over the last 15 years.

She added: "The idea that everything passes automatically to the widow is a myth and when couples are not married the situation becomes yet more complicated.

"There is a simple solution to this which is to make a Will."

Estate holders who make an invalid will or cancel one and do not replace it also run the risk of dying intestate.

At Vizards Tweedie our specialists dealing on all private client matters are Christine Green, Tony Millson and Judith Cuxson

back to Legal Updates