If for no other reason, you should make a will to name Guardians for your children.

Everyone says it's unnatural for children to die before their parents - and who would disagree?

But we also don't expect to die before our children have reached an age where they are independent and able to look after themselves.

Unfortunately, it does happen. You read about it every day in the newspapers.

A guardian is someone with a duty, and the legal authority, to look after the welfare and property interests of another person - it doesn't have to be children - it could be an elderly relative or someone with special needs.

In this article, though, we're talking about your children.

If you were to die without leaving a will, who would look after your children while they grow up?

You may think you know - 'My friend Pat would take them in.' - but what if someone challenges that as being in the best interests of your children?

Then Pat could have a lengthy, complex and costly court case on her hands.

Social Services are likely to become involved, with a decision being made by the Family Courts.

What if your former spouse, who may have played very little part in bringing the child up so far, decides to challenge for custody?

Or your former in-laws?

Shouldn't you make the decision while you can?