Can’t Take It With You

The BBC programme "Can't Take It With You" (Friday, BBC2, 9pm) highlights some of the issues people face when making their wills.

In the series Sir Gerry Robinson helps families torn over what to write in their wills and discusses why people put off making decisions about their wills.
Many of those featured in the show can’t agree on what to put in their wills so do nothing instead. Unfortunately this means that they will die intestate, i.e. without a will.

Martyn Brown, solicitor at Wirral firm, Integrum Law commented “many people are reluctant to make a will because they don’t want to think about it or they think they will get around to it one day. However there are others who don’t make their will because they don’t know how to achieve what they want or how to address difficult situations.

The answer is for them to speak to a solicitor who will be able to advise them on what they can or cannot do and may be able to suggest solutions to their dilemmas”.
In one episode of the programme a couple had put off dealing with their wills for 10 years because they could not agree how to deal with one of their children. They met a solicitor, discussed the options and then, after speaking to their children, were able to resolve their disagreement easily. Their wills were drawn up and signed.
Martyn adds, “the worst thing to do is to do nothing because you are likely to die intestate and therefore your affairs will be dealt with according to legal rules rather than in accordance with your personal wishes”.