Inheritance law change means a will is even more vital

Tuesday 18th November 2008, 11:30AM GMT.

CONCERNS have been raised over the new inheritance law.

The new legislation means that children, whether born in or outside of marriage, will have equal rights to inheritance from parents who did not leave a will.

However, this means that children may have to wait six years for their inheritance in case any potential illegitimate siblings lay claim to a property.

Kate Raleigh from the Citizens Advice Bureau said they were concerned about the law and its implications.

‘Although the amendments were intended to allow inheritance to proceed as before, unless there was some reason to believe that there were ‘unascertained heirs’, serious problems have arisen for several families already,’ she said.

‘I think it is important that people are warned of the risks and that policy makers understand the difficulties which have arisen.’