If
you care about what happens to your property after you die, you should make
a Will. Without one, certain rules apply as to how your estate is disposed of.
These rules are unlikely to reflect what you yourself would have chosen.
A Will is particularly important if:
• You are not married to your partner (the law does not automatically
recognise partners so even you have lived together for many years, your partner
may be left with nothing).
• You have children or dependants who may not be able to care for themselves.
• You have financial dependants (such dependants may claim against your
estate if reasonable provision for them is not made).
• You live here, but you have overseas property.
• You own all or part of a business.
Once you have made your will, some changes to your circumstances (such as marriage,
separation, or divorce) may make all or part of that will invalid or inadequate.
You should keep your Will under review to reflect any major life changes.
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