Many people assume that, after their death, their money will automatically pass on to the people they want it to go to, but that is not always the case.
The pitfalls of intestacy
If you do not leave a Will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of ‘intestate succession’. Although your spouse or civil partner will have certain rights, they will not automatically receive your entire estate. The rules may dictate that other family members, often unexpectedly, will inherit.
Making a Will lets you decide what will happen to your assets, rather than the intestacy rules doing it for you.
How we can help
We have ample experience in helping clients to write their Wills. Everyone’s family and financial circumstances are different, so we will take the time to find out about your individual situation. We can then help you to:
- appoint executors
- decide how your children should be cared for
- follow all legal formalities to ensure the Will is valid and achieves what you want it to
- arrange charitable donations
- make any changes at a future date.
We can also discuss options such as trusts and tax planning if you are concerned about how to pass on your assets tax-efficiently.
Disputing a Will
If you are unhappy with the content of someone else’s Will, or have doubts about whether a Will is valid, we can advise you on whether it may be possible to challenge it.
Our Wills and dispute resolution lawyers can consider the form and content of the Will, and the circumstances in which it was prepared, and then advise on possible remedies.
"My impression of the private wealth team is that they are very professional and have a wide range of expertise. One of their strongest points is how approachable they are, and they ensure that they always get back to you in an efficient manner when you have been in contact with them."
Chambers UK: A Client's guide to the UK legal profession
"I have always found Lindsays to be a professional and approachable firm who are willing to listen and discuss legal matters accordingly in a straightforward and well-presented manner."
The Legal 500 UK
Meet the team
Grant Johnson
Title: Partner, Head of Private Client
Department: Private Client Services
Location: Dundee
Deborah-Anne O'Donnell
Title: Trainee Solicitor
Department: Private Client Services
Location: Dundee
