10/12/2007
Wills – in an eggshell
There are many formalities associated with making a valid will. The first requirement is that the Will must be in writing. The definition however does not go as far as indicating on what material the writing has to appear. Therefore any material may be used for the writing of a Will providing it leaves a permanent form of visual representation.
This has created the opportunity for Lawyers to be become involved in a number of unlikely cases. Hodson v Barnes (1926) was one such case, where the court held that a Will written on an eggshell was a valid Will.
Using this principle you could write your Will on the tablecloth of a restaurant after an unsatisfactory meal, if you felt that death by food poisoning was imminent. Your will could also be written on the back of your hand, although this raises a potential lifetime hygiene problem and cremation would no longer be a viable option!
On a more local note a Will can be written in any language. So your Will can be made in Welsh and still be a valid Will.
It is extremely important that you make a Will and despite the above we would recommend that you make your Will on boring old paper!! If you wish to take advantage of the free Will scheme for Union members you should contact Watkins and Gunn without delay.
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