Make a Will – for Your Child’s Sake

It’s a chilling thought that more than 24,000 children are bereaved of a parent every year in Britain. That’s 65 a day. And yet more than half of the UK population has not made a will.

If no will is in place, the rules of intestacy say the spouse or civil partner inherits the first £250,000 and the personal belongings – and shares the remainder with any children. So, children are entitled to nothing if the estate is worth less than £250,000.

But the more worrying situation is when both parents die without naming a guardian. Children may be placed in foster care while a court decides who should look after them. Just imagine the heartache and the family disputes.

One solicitor quoted in The Telegraph said: “Parents are ultimately playing Russian Roulette with their child’s future.”

Children should be involved in the discussion about choosing a guardian. They need the security of knowing that the person loves and wants them. A guardian should understand how the children were raised, already have a good relationship with them, live nearby and be financially sound.

Simple wills at Heritage Will Writing cost £95 for an individual and £145 for a couple.