Peter Levy, Solicitor in Astle Paterson’s Wills and Probate Department, discusses the recent changes to the rules governing what happens to your assets on your death.
As of 1st October 2014 if you die without making a valid Will and you have a spouse or civil partner but no children then your surviving spouse or civil partner will inherit the whole of your estate. This will mean that neither your parents nor your brothers nor sisters (or their children) will benefit from your estate on your death.
Further, if you are separated from your spouse or civil partner at the time of your death – but you have not yet divorced – then your estranged partner will stand to inherit more from your estate than your children.
Peter said “The Law Society are undertaking a Consumer Campaign ‘Use a Professional. Use a Solicitor’ to encourage people to use a Solicitor to prepare a Will. Solicitors are qualified and insured to carry out the work on your behalf as opposed to “Will Writers” who can be a persons without legal qualifications.
At Astle Paterson we have both Solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives who have years of experience drafting Wills for clients and who are able to spot and address any issues which could potentially cause issues on your death.
Further, from 6th October to 17th October 2014 inclusive at Astle Paterson we will be offering free appointments for the drafting of your Will or updating an existing Will in conjunction with St Giles Hospice’s ‘Make a Will fortnight.’ During this period we will encourage all our clients to make a donation to St Giles Hospice instead of making a payment to us.”
Please contact Peter Levy of Astle Paterson’s Wills and Probate Department to discuss making your Will on 01283 531366 or by way of email at plevy@astlepaterson.co.uk.
