The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) (NI) Order 1979

If your Will does not adequately provide for a dependant the Court may, upon application by or on behalf of a dependant, vary the operation of your Will. If you do not wish to leave any of your assets to a dependant e.g. a minor child of a previous marriage you will need to make other provision for such dependant. This can be effected by a term (time limited) or other life assurance policy on your life. Such protection policies are a relatively cheap way of ensuring your Will is unlikely to be successfully challenged by any such dependant your Will does not provide for. Such policies may be written in trust for the dependant. This solution would protect the current partner and children of the present relationship, providing the policy was perceived by the Courts to be for a sufficient amount to meet the obligation, because your assets could then be left to the present partner and family.