Unless you make a Will, you cannot guarantee that your belongings will be distributed as you want when you die.

It is surprising the number of individuals who do not have a Will and who die without making sure that those whom they wish to benefit from their estate after their death do so. As a result, many unnecessary complications arise, adding to the grief of the bereaved and the expense of winding up the deceased person's estate.

If you die without a Will ('intestate') the law provides who will receive your possessions. If you are married and die intestate, it is a common misconception that the surviving spouse inherits everything. This is not always the case and depends on the size of the estate; brothers and sisters and parents may make a claim. If you are not married but living with your partner and die intestate, your partner receives nothing.

Only a legally adopted child is classed (in law) as a son or daughter. Stepchildren need to be protected and named in the Will of their step-parent, if that step-parent wishes them to inherit as their natural child would.

Anyone over the age of 18 can make a Will. If you don't make a Will, the money intended for loved ones could end up in the Government's coffers.

Making a Will can seem like a daunting task but in fact it's very quick and easy and a Will can be drawn up for as little as £100.