When people die without making a Will, they are known to have died intestate.
A recent trend has seen a rise in the number of Wills that have been produced fraudulently on occasions when someone dies intestate. Will writing solicitors in North Wales have used recent cases as examples of why stringent checks must be made by legal professionals when Wills are produced.
There have been several recent examples of Wills that have been counterfeit, one of which had particular importance. In this instance, someone who was known to a legal firm died without making a Will. However, a Will was submitted to the Probate Registry and, as a consequence, those who forged this document received many thousands of pounds from the estate. Due to the knowledge of the solicitors who had dealt with the deceased person, the deceit was soon uncovered and the monies recovered.
Wills solicitors in North Wales will be aware that published Bona Vacantia lists available to the public are a rich source of information about those who have died without heirs. These details have then, in some cases, been used to produce fake Wills, though recent steps by the government have stopped the public having access to the lists. Legal experts continue to urge people to make their Wills by legitimate means and ensuring that all documents are properly signed and witnessed.
When you need to produce a Will, please contact us here at Bennett Smith Solicitors and book an appointment to see one of our experts.
