Joanna Yeates' death highlights importance of wills and probate

The importance of wills and probate has been highlighted by the case of Joanna Yeates, who died without making a will.

As a result, under probate laws Ms Yeates' boyfriend Greg Reardon will not receive any of her £47,000 estate, the Daily Mail reported.

Instead, the landscape architect's estate will go to her parents David and Theresa Yeates. This will include an insurance payout, money from an inheritance and cash.

"Jo was a sensible girl. She had a lot of savings and a small inheritance from her grandfather. That large amount of money would have been used to buy a home," Mr Yeates said.

In addition, the importance of wills and probate was highlighted in another recent case in which a woman won a payout in a legal battle against the family of her deceased partner. Rachel Douglas was awarded £17,440 from Sergeant Jacky Manuel's estate after disputing who should be the will beneficiary of his £290,000 estate with his family.

Published by Phil Hammond