Will-writing is vital in the UK as marriages decline

With the number of unmarried couples now making up just less than half of the population, it is becoming vitally important that they make a will to ensure that partners are not subject to intestate laws.

Although Britain has made steps to increase the rights of unmarried couples, they are still not treated the same way as their married counterparts in UK law.

Consequently, when a partner dies without leaving a will they often face probate battles with blood children from other marriages and other relatives.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has also revealed that couples are choosing to separate increasingly late in life. If a divorce does not go through before death, an ex-partner may inherit all assets if a will is not made.

"One of the main reasons for the decrease in the married population and the increase in the single population is the growth of cohabitation by unmarried couples," the ONS report stated.

This often causes problems for intestacy, as individuals are often unable to continue living in their homes after a partner dies if they did not jointly buy the property.

In the current relationship climate, couples are advised to make a will as a matter of urgency.

Published by Jessica Shervin