The problem of dying without a will

Citizens Advice, the charity that provides advice on a number of issues to people in need, recently reported that the amount of enquiries received about people who have died without making a will had more than doubled in a 5 year period.

This, coupled with the fact that it is estimated that nearly two thirds of the British adult population do not have a will, means that this trend is simply going to increase in the future.

“Not having a will can have a devastating effect upon your loved ones, at what is already a very difficult emotional time”, says Adele Hallam, of Kirkham Legal Private Client department.

To avoid the financial stress that this can cause, you should prepare a will, which is relatively inexpensive, and which can state who is to deal with your estate when you die and more importantly can provide for the people closest to you.

Adele adds:- “If you are in a cohabiting relationship it is vital that you prepare a will, providing for each other, as many people do not realise that the Intestacy Rules do not make any provision for a partner, irrespective of the length of time you have lived together. This obviously can have devastating consequences, which are so easily avoidable”.