Lynda Bellingham - famous for being the face of OXO - is becoming more talked about after her death because of her estate and the reported fractious relationship between her husband and her children.

Lynda had two children from her previous relationship but it is reported that she left her entire estate to her husband (to whom she had been married since 2008). The children apparently claim that she specifically told their step-father to ensure that the boys were properly provided for financially. However, since her death, it has been reported that her children claim the husband has kicked them out of the family flat and offered them £750 each.

We do not yet know all of the facts but these very unhappy situations can usually be avoided by taking the right legal advice. By discussing the family circumstances with a legal advisor, a Will can be drafted in such a way that a surviving spouse would be financially secure during their lifetime but that ultimately the children would inherit and be financially provided for upon the spouse's death.

With an ever changing society and second marriage on the rise, it is important to ensure that you provide for your loved ones in the right way. Our dedicated Wills & Probate lawyers can assist with advice regarding how to protect a property for children from a first marriage while ensuring that your current spouse is housed and adequately provided for. We can also discuss leaving gifts or placing funds in trust for younger children.

If you do not speak to a properly qualified legal advisor then you will not know all of the options that may be available to you. It is vitally important that you have a Will in place to ensure that your estate is distributed in accordance with your wishes. Simply telling your family what you would like to happen is not enough. We can assist you with a professionally drafted Will and discuss aspects of inheritance tax and any potential claims that could be made against your estate.

If you would like more information, please contact a member of our Wills & Probate team who will be happy to help.