Why make a Will?

A Will states who inherits your estate. Without one, you die intestate and your estate is distributed according to the rules set by law.

Under Scots law, a surviving spouse (or civil partner) and children are entitled to certain Legal Rights. Legal rights are intended to reflect the view that a person should not be able to dispose of his or her estate entirely according to individual preferences but should be bound to leave something to those with whom he or she had the closest ties.

These rules do not cater for your specific wishes and can mean family members may benefit when you would prefer them not to do so or even pass to the Crown.

Making a Will avoids family feuds if you decide who gets what early, so make sure that your beneficiaries know what they are likely to receive.