8
reasons
not to
Write a Will
By Siobhan Rattigan, Senior Lecturer for the College of Will Writing
Ken down the pub doesn’t need a will, and neither do you he says...
Here’s why:
1
You like the idea of intestacy
You’re perfectly happy to leave someone else to decide who will benefit on your death.
You like the inflexibility of the intestacy rules. If you are unmarried your partner cannot
benefit under these rules, but you’re sure they’ll be fine. Hopefully the cousin or other
distant relative who ends up benefiting will help them out.
2
You don’t want to appoint executors
You don’t need to appoint executors to make sure your estate is properly distributed
after you’re gone. Leave it to someone else to step up and apply no matter their
suitability to the role.
3
You don’t mind who will care for your children
You’re reasonably confident someone will take care of your minor children after
you’re gone. Failing that, you’re certain that if the courts must appoint a guardian for
them it will be exactly the person you would have chosen given the chance. They may not
be raised the way you would’ve liked, but never mind.
4
There’s no need to provide for anyone in particular
It doesn’t matter to you who gets your great-great-grandmother’s wedding ring that’s
been passed down the family for generations. You’re sure that your spouse and your
children will be adequately provided for somehow. If you are not married to your partner
you’re sure they won’t mind the stress or the expense of needing to go through the courts
to claim for any provision from your estate.
4
The Society of Will Writers