In exceptional circumstances, a Will may need to be prepared urgently—this is known as an emergency Will.
We recently received a phone call from a person early on a Monday morning who told us that over the weekend, her friend who was extremely ill had been moved into a hospice. She wanted to know if we could help her friend make an urgent Will.
We telephoned the client and later that day we visited her in the hospice. We sat down with the client and she explained to us that her health was deteriorating faster than expected. She was anxious to ensure that her estate passed to her partner who she lived with and not to relatives who she had not seen for many years and who she had no real relationship with.
Although she was unwell, it was clear to us that she understood what a Will was, she could tell us what her assets were and she could clearly express her wishes so we were able to take her full instructions. We quickly produced her Will that day. Two of us returned the next morning with the finalised Will which she was able to sign and which we were able to witness. The client was relieved that after her death, her wishes would be followed. Sadly, we were informed by the hospice that the client died two days later.
When a person dies without making a Will, their property and belongings will be inherited by their nearest relatives under the Intestacy Rules. As this case study demonstrates, this is not necessarily always what people want. Through making a Will, a person can ensure that their assets are inherited by the people they have chosen to benefit.
Should you or a relative require urgent assistance to make a valid Will, we can make a home, care home, hospital or hospice visit. Our Wills Team will ensure you are treated as a priority and they will guide you through the process so that after your death, your wishes are followed.
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