There are many articles in the papers and online about the increasing number of people seeking to contest a Will. According to Direct Line Life Insurance, 12.6 million people are prepared to go to Court and dispute a Will if they do not agree with the division of a relative’s assets.
It is not uncommon for many people to be relying on a future inheritance to bolster their financial position, for example, getting them onto the housing ladder.
Unfortunately, if a Will does not say what that person expects it to say, disappointed beneficiaries or disappointed potential beneficiaries may go to the extreme insofar as issuing Court proceeds or at least trying to come to a settlement more beneficial to the outside of the Court area (not necessarily meaning people would win a Court battle, but some will still try…).
The lawyers instructed by the beneficiary (or potential beneficiary) will look closely at the draft of the Will, the execution of the Will and determine whether there are any potential claims.
Wills that are prepared and executed during the Covid-19 pandemic are under a tighter microscope due to the recent changes in the law, and so it is important that your Will is prepared correctly.
The last thing anyone wants is to fear that, upon death, is whether your Will is prepared in such a way that your wishes are protected.
It is important that everyone takes legal advice to ensure that their assets are protected, their loved ones are protected and, of course, that inheritance tax is mitigated.
The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute legal advice and you should take full and comprehensive legal advice on your individual circumstances by a fully qualified Solicitor before you embark on any course of action.
Contact me with your questions:
0207 183 4595
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