What happens if I don't write a will

If you live in England or Wales and don't write a will, your legacy may not be distributed as you would like.

One scenario that is very likely to cause problems is an unmarried couple. Unmarried partners cannot inherit from one another unless there is a will in place. This situation can be particularly painful when the surviving partner is left in financial difficulties at a distressing time.

If you are separated from a partner, but not divorced, and your former partner is living with someone else, there is a possibility that they will inherit your estate unless you have a will in place stating otherwise.

If you have children, it is important to have a will in place to ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes. The courts can, sometimes, redistribute an estate if there is a dispute but this is often a long and unpleasant process which can be easily avoided by writing a will and keeping it up to date.

If you leave no surviving blood relatives, your estate will go to the inland revenue.

Writing a will may take an afternoon of thought and hard work but it can make a huge difference to the people that matter to you.