Married couples in particular often mistakenly believe that their husband or wife will inherit everything automatically – not so! Without a will, the widow or widower is allowed to inherit the first £125,000 from the estate (£200,000 if there are no children), but the rest has to be shared with family members. This can cause serious hardship at what is already a difficult time for families.

However, under new legislation just announced, from February 2009, the rates are to increase to allow widows and widowers to inherit £250,000 (£450,000 if there are no children).

Justice Minister Bridget Prentice has been widely quoted in the press as saying: “This increase will give extra protection to married couples…but it also highlights how important it is for both men and women to make arrangements for their loved ones in the event of their deaths. My message to people is, don’t leave it to chance. Make sure your loved ones are properly provided for by leaving a will.”