Will writing error costs beneficiary £70,000

In a case that highlights the importance of getting your will professionally written, one much-loved family acquaintance has missed out on £70,000 worth of inheritance following a simple signing error.

Kent couple Alfred and Maureen Rawlings had planned to leave £70,000 to Terry Marley, who the couple believed was "like a son" to them and had lived with them for years. However, when writing their wills, Mr Rawlings signed the documents meant for his wife, while his wife signed those meant for her husband.

The simple error meant that "legal formalities" had not been concluded in full, and despite the best efforts of Mr Marley through the Court of Appeal, judges ruled that the inheritance should go to the couple's sons, Terry and Michael Rawlings.

As no-one spotted the mistake when the wills were signed or when Mrs Rawlings passed away seven years ago, Mr Rawlings died "intestate", leaving his sons to claim the inheritance.

Will writing is often seen as a straight-forward procedure and thousands of people throughout the UK still chose to go through the process alone and without proper legal assistance. To avoid the fate suffered by Mr Marley, consult our will writing experts today and make sure your best wishes are catered for should the worst happen.