A Will speaks louder than words

Published: 29/07/2014

A saddening story involving a Black Watch soldier has highlighted the need for clarity when writing a Will.

Private Mark Connolly died following a freak punch in a fight with another soldier at his Paderborn base in Germany in May 2011. Since then his wife has attempted to have him buried in Forfar as per his wishes shared in a conversation they had before he was due to depart for a tour of Afghanistan.

However, as an executor of his Will, Private Connolly’s mother has continued to challenge these purported instructions wanting him instead to be interred in a family plot at Macduff Cemetery in East Wemyss.

Linda Cummins, Head of Wills and Probate, comments:

“We all hope our loved ones will rally and pull together at a time such as this but we see firsthand how grief can actually have the opposite effect. This is why it is essential we make our wishes known to all our loved ones and Executors.

“The best way to do this is to make a Will as well as writing a Letter of Wishes which can include details of funeral arrangements from music to flowers and, as is important in this case, where you wish to be buried.”

Content correct at time of publication

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