Misconceptions and Mindfulness: Wills and Probate in the Media

There have been two stories in the media recently which relate to the subject of Wills and Probate – an area which Lawson-West are experts in.

The first is a storyline in the popular soap Coronation Street. Long running character Ken Barlow has placed a ‘do not resuscitate’ order on his medical records following a stroke.

This introduces the subject matter of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). An LPA is legal document in which you are able to appoint people to look after your affairs and entitle them to make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer capable to do so.

For example, ‘do not resuscitate’ and ‘care at home for as long as is possible’ can be included in an LPA. Ultimately they are a resource to give your loved ones the knowledge, comfort and ability to fulfil your wishes.

Secondly, media personality Katie Price has said that she has not changed her Will since divorcing her first husband in 2009. Price stated this means that even though she is now on her third marriage, and has children with her newest husband, all of her property would belong her first husband if she died now.

This is unfortunately a common misconception surrounding Wills. In fact, Price’s Will would have been revoked when she married her second husband, as marriage cancels a previous Will, unless otherwise stated.

This means that Price’s estate would go through the English laws of intestacy, and everything would be left to whom she was married to upon her death, with slight provision for her children.

Making a Will or making amendments to an existing Will is not a complicated or time consuming process, but is one that ensures all of your wises are carried out when you are no longer here.

There are several myths that surround beneficiaries of Wills and it is best to know all of the facts. Our Wills and Probate team are experts on the subject and can be contacted on 01858 445 480.

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