Despite the ready availability of will writing services, statistics show approximately 70% of the UK population pass away without making a will.

Donít worry, weíre not going to bang on about the need for you to prepare your will today, at least not directly Ö

Instead, this month we thought weíd take a look at how your will can ensure your home is inherited by the person(s) you would want. †As you can imagine, much of this has to do with how you own your property.† Please see below.

Joint Tenant

• When one of the joint tenants passes away the legal title and the whole of the equity passes to the surviving joint tenant.
• This is the case irrespective of whether the deceased joint tenant had reflected different wishes in their will.
• It is common for married couples to own property this way.

Did you know you can sever the joint tenancy on your property?

Many people do so for a variety of reasons usually related to effective estate planning.

Please contact us to find out more.

Tenant in Common

• When one tenant in common passes away, their equitable share is transferred according to their will.
• If they did not leave a will, their share in the property passes according to the rules of intestacy.
• Unlike joint tenants, a tenant in common can leave their interest in the property to someone else regardless of whether they leave a surviving tenant in common.

Please contact us to find out more.

Sole owner

• They are the sole owner of a property.
• Anyone living with the sole owner at the time of their death does not have an automatic right to remain in the property. †This is true for spouses as well.

You may have wishes concerning who would like to inherit your property or ensure your chosen loved ones inherit your home, for example. We can provide guidance on the options available to you to see your wishes carried out at the appropriate time.

Please contact us by calling 020 3128 7081 or by sending an email: info@ashtongrace.co.uk.