LOCAL estate agents Sharman Quinney in Peterborough is encouraging homeowners to make a will to ensure that in the event of their death, their property and money go to the people they want to benefit. The local agent has teamed up with specialist will-writing company Redstone Wills to give home buyers the chance to make a fixed price will through Sharman Quinney.

Jeremy Collins, mortgage services director for Sharman Quinney, says, “Many couples who live together assume that if one of them dies, the other will inherit everything, but this is not necessarily true. The survivor could end up inheriting nothing – and be homeless – if there is no will in place.”

Even married couples need a will; if you die without one, your spouse will only get the first £250,000 plus the right to income from half of the remainder. Once again, the house could end up being sold so that those who inherit under the intestacy laws can get their share. In this situation, your property will be distributed among members of your family, according to a set order. If you have no traceable family, your property could even end up going to the Government.

Wills can also be used to avoid disputes after your death, to appoint guardians for any children aged under 18 or to minimise inheritance tax bills.

Jeremy continues, “We are delighted to be offering home buyers and existing home owners the opportunity to make a will through our new partnership with Redstone Wills. All instructions are given in writing or by phone and there’s no need to visit lawyers’ offices to make the will if customers are not able to do so.”

To find out more contact your local Sharman Quinney branch.