Wills and Testaments

Legal Help

When a person dies, someone has to deal with their affairs and decide what will happen to the things they owned. This is often a distressing time which can be made worse if there is no will.

Why should I make a Will?

When you make a will you ensure that your possessions are dealt with as you want and your wishes for the funeral are known. Without a will the law dictates how your belongings are to be shared.

Your property or estate will then be divided among members of the family under strict rules contained in the Administration of Estates Act after all your bills are paid. If several family members are involved this could lead to dispute or uncertainty.

Making a Will

Wills sound like a very complicated legal process, which tends to make people avoid making one. In truth a will is a letter which explains how someone's assets should be distributed in the event of their death.

It is not necessary to have a will drawn up by a solicitor but great care needs to be taken as sorting out an unclear will can lead to long and expensive court cases.

There are many books, guides and printed forms available to help you ether downloadable form the internet or in a standard format from legal stationers.

Community Legal Service Direct also provides free downloadable booklets on wills and probate.

Council Information Points

An extensive range of free booklets can be found at the Community Legal Service Partnership Information Points.

Contact

Please contact one of the organisations listed if you require any further assistance, alternatively visit the Community Legal Service Partnership Information Points at the Civic Centre and Barking Town Hall main reception.