A LEGAL firm has urged people to think about the importance of writing a will ahead of changes to inheritance law.

Archers Law, in Stockton, says people must act before intestacy rules are amended in October.

Lawyers say while spouses and civil partners will become the main beneficiary when no will has been made, children and relatives, including siblings and parents, might inherit less or lose out altogether from someone who dies without making a valid will.

They also warned that although the new law is intended to simplify intestacy rules, it doesn’t mean people should put off making a will, especially where subsequent marriage or civil partnership arrangements have been made and there are children from a previous relationship.

Wendy Edwards, an associate solicitor in Archers’ wills, probate and trusts team, said: “The changes to the intestacy rules do make things simpler in some cases.

“But writing a will is a crucial task that every adult should undertake to ensure their wishes take effect.

“According to national statistics, 60 per cent of people in England and Wales die without making a will.

“But it’s a much more straightforward process than people think and it could save your family a lot of time and potential upset in the future by just spending a little bit of time getting some advice now.”

The new rules mean someone who dies intestate with no children, will have their entire estate distributed to their surviving spouse or civil partner.

If someone dies intestate with children, then the new rules mean the personal belongings and the first £250,000 of the estate is passed automatically to their surviving spouse or civil partner.

Anything above that value will then be halved, with the first half passed to the surviving spouse or civil partner and the remaining half inherited by the deceased’s blood children once they reach 18.

Miss Edwards added: “The new rules do favour spouses and civil partners so there may be undoubted concern around the reduction of the children’s share to a smaller pot, particularly when subsequent marriage arrangements have formed.

“The simple and straightforward solution is for every adult to make a will; don’t put it on the back burner.

“Everyone should plan what happens to their estate once they die so it’s distributed as they wish rather than relying on a Government Act to do it for them.”