what if…?
The questions people ask me at the kitchen table, answered plainly.
Where should I keep my will?
Keep your original will somewhere safe that your executors know about. The HMCTS deposit service is the most secure option in England and Wales.
Do I need a lasting power of attorney if I'm married?
Yes. Being married doesn't let you run your spouse's accounts or make health decisions for them if they lose capacity. Only an LPA does.
What if I'm not married and my partner dies?
If you're not married and there's no will, you inherit nothing by law. You'd have to go to court. A will is the simple way to protect each other.
Do mirror wills protect my children?
Not on their own. After the first death the survivor can change their will freely. Adding a trust is what protects your children's share.
What happens if my husband or wife remarries after I die?
If your spouse remarries, their old will is cancelled and your children can lose out. A trust in your will keeps your share safe for them.
What is sideways disinheritance — and how do you stop it?
Sideways disinheritance is when your estate passes to a new partner's family instead of your children. A protective trust in your will stops it.