No will means Intestacy

Do you like the sound of the following terms?

'Administration of Estates Act'
'Probate registry application'
'Letters of administration'
'Rules of Intestacy'

My guess is that you don’t like the sound of any of them. If you have no valid will of your own, however, your relatives might have to get used to this terminology. This is because if your estate is more than £5,000 the Rules of Intestacy could be applied to it, and your nearest and dearest could find themselves involved with the resulting legal process.

The Rules of Intestacy are a little like a State imposed one-size-fits-all will. If you don't make your own will, this could be how your estate is dealt with – and it is very unlikely to fit your wishes. One thing is certain; your favourite charities would not get a thing.

It is much better to have a valid, up to date will.

A proper will, drawn up by a professional, brings peace of mind, and will help those who come after you a great deal. So go on, you know it makes sense.

A valid will gives you a golden opportunity to help your favourite charities.

I recommend consulting a solicitor when making a will.

Wise's Whimsical Wills
Lord St Leonard was so proud of the literary merit of his will that he often asked his daughter to read it to him. When he died, his will was nowhere to be found. However, his daughter was able to recite to lawyers by heart.