An article published in last monthís Daily Mail told the story of how Joan Edwards, a former nurse, had managed to embarrass the coalition Government into returning a monetary gift in excess of half a million pounds amid claims of greed!

Under her Will, the 90 year old Miss Edwards, left £520,000 to ìwhichever Government is in office at the date of my death for the Government at their absolute discretion to use as they think fitî. It is not uncommon for the Government to be left money in a Will. However, such a gift is usually directed towards paying the national debt.

Both the Tories and Lib Dems pounced on Miss Edwards donation and her bequest was distributed proportionately between them. However when the public got whiff of the story, the Government u-turned and gave their share of the donation to the Treasury instead. Public opinion was such that it was felt Miss Edwards gift was more likely to be meant for the public good rather than electioneering.

The story highlights the importance of not only writing a Will but ensuring your Will is drawn up properly. A badly drafted Will can cause problems, as Miss Edwards executors and her potential beneficiaries found out. To avoid uncertainty in your Will, you should receive expert legal advice.

To make your Will or to find out more please call us now on 02031287081 or CONTACT US by email by clicking on the link.

Ashton Grace – specialists in Wills & Estate Planning