A book explaining the intricacies of Bermuda laws on wills and estates has been updated to keep up with changes in legislation.

The sixth edition of "The Law of Wills And Estates", by Mello Jones & Martin partner Michael Mello, includes new chapters on the rights of children born outside of wedlock and same-sex couples.

"Of the topics we are most afraid to discuss, making a will is near the top of the list, as it means making arrangements for our death," Mr. Mello said.

"Most Bermudians will tell you they want their family and friends to know their last wishes, yet too many have never taken the time to set out in a will what those wishes may be."

The rapid increase in Bermuda's death duties since 1976 has sparked a wave of local interest in estate planning.

New features in the sixth edition include an extended chapter on making a will, a new chapter on the revival of revoked wills, and more information concerning the primary family homestead designation. The chapter on children has been rewritten due to the abolition of the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children in the Children Amendment Act 2002, which ensures that the rights of a child are not affected by whether his or her parents were married.

Same-sex marriage is the subject of another new chapter, as there may be legal consequences in Bermuda for couples who entered into same-sex marriages or civil partnerships in countries which allow them.

Mr. Mello's book is available at Bermuda Bookstore, on Queen Street, Hamilton, and the Bookmart in Brown & Co., on Reid Street, Hamilton.