The benefits of making a Will

Choosing precisely how your property and possessions should be dealt with in the event of your death - the ability to give specific gifts to family, friends or charities.

The means of appointing guardians for young children, and executors to deal with the administration of your estate.

Minimising the distress caused to those around you at a difficult time, while reducing the inheritance tax due to be paid by your survivors.

Single people - a Will enables people without dependants to leave specific gifts. While single parents, or carers for elderly relatives, will want to know that the best possible provision has been made for those dependants in the event of their death.

Married couples - both of you should draw up a Will to decide what is to happen to what you leave, especially your home.

Unmarried couples - couples living together do not acquire the same status as married couples. When someone dies unmarried without a Will, their property and possessions go to their children, if any, otherwise to specified relatives. The only recourse open to a cohabitee would be to make a claim to court (if eligible).