Declan put your e-mails to a specialist solicitor

We all assume that our money and possessions will be handed on to our nearest and dearest - but that isn't necessarily the case.

Unmarried couples in particular could be in for a nasty shock when one partner dies - even if they've been living together for many years.

This morning on Breakfast:

We had so many e-mails and text messages, that we've put together a round-up of your questions and our solicitor's answers

Q: can you write your own will?
A: Yes you can, but it's always advisable to get a solicitor to give you proper advice on tax and trusts

Q: are will-writing services just as good?
A: Possibly. The man thing is that the more complex your case, the greater your need for advice.

Q: if you've lived with someone for years, will you automatically inherit if they die?
A: No, there's no automatic inheritance and the idea of Common Law marriage is a myth. You could still make a claim under a law passed in 1975

Without a will: If your savings and home total less than �125,000, your husband or wife will inherit the lot Above that figure, your children get half of the remainder Unmarried live-in partners get nothing (unless they're official civil partners) If you're not married and have no relatives, the taxman gets it all

Q: what happens if you live together and have children?
A: the children will inherit, under the intestacy laws. Again, the live-in partner could make a claim on the estate

Q: I'm separated from my husband. Could he still inherit my house?
A: Yes, he could make claim on your estate. And, even if you write him out of your will, he could still challenge that.