They say there are only two things certain in every life; death and taxes.
Contrary to belief, you do not need to use a lawyer in order to write your own will. It must simply be in writing and be properly witnessed by two independent third parties when you sign it. However, if you have complicated tax affairs, you own a business or have assets overseas or you have children and/or have been separated, divorced or remarried, then you should certainly consider taking expert advice
In any event, you should make a will if you want any control over your assets after your death. Not doing so can cause untold heartache and distress for those left behind. Dying without a will means you die ‘intestate’. In such circumstances the usual rules applied are as follows;
- If married, your husband or wife may inherit most or all of your estate and your children may receive nothing (except in Scotland), even if you are separated but not yet divorced.
- If you’re not married and not in a civil partnership, your partner is not legally entitled to anything when you die.
- If you make a will you can decide exactly what your children and grandchildren may receive from your estate when you die. If not, the rules set out above will apply.
- Any Inheritance Tax that your estate has to pay may be higher than it would be if you had made a will due to the lack of prudent, legal tax planning.
It’s worth noting that if you die with no living close relatives, your whole estate may well belong to the Crown or to the government in its entirety! This law is called bona vacantia.
At Mortgage Required we offer a specialist wills and estate planning service allowing proper provision for all your loved-ones in the event of your death. We will ensure that the will properly reflects your wishes and is ‘tax efficient’ meaning the beneficiaries of your will receive the maximum possible and the taxman only gets what is due!
For more information see our Wills and Estate Planning page or speak to an adviser on 01628 507477.
Related articles:
- Who Needs a Will?
- What happens if I don’t have a Will?
- Who Will Look After My Children if I Die Without a Will?
Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide
Recent posts
Homebuying reform to cut homebuying times by around four weeks, and save first-time buyers around £650, says the government.
Buying your first home is a huge milestone, but it can also be a complex process. There are several factors a first-time buyer should consider before making an offer on a property, including understanding the difference between leasehold and freehold and checking council tax bands.
We’ve detailed some questions you can ask your estate agent to help you make an informed decision.
Best UK Mortgage Rates this Week
Yesterday
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
Signs it's time to remortgage
3 days ago
Remortgaging means switching to a new mortgage deal. This will either be with your current lender or a new one.
Getting advice and moving to a new deal when the time is right can mean lower monthly mortgage payments, better interest rates, or releasing equity from your property.
Here are some signs it may be time to remortgage.
According to Nationwide Building Society’s latest House Price Index, house prices dropped 0.6% month on month in May – the first monthly decline this year.
Most Affordable UK Spots for First-Time Buyers
19 May 2026
Research from Lloyds identifies the most affordable areas in the UK for first-time buyers to be able to get onto the property ladder.
On Wednesday, 13th May, King Charles delivered his speech at the House of Lords, outlining the government’s plans for the upcoming year.
Here is a summary of the housing and energy/environment points.
From 18th May 2026, Halifax (part of Lloyds Banking Group) is launching a ‘£5k Deposit mortgage’ to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder sooner.
More information
Trusted by
