New research has revealed that nearly half of all adults in the UK aged over 30 don’t have a Will but say it’s on their to-do list – with 43% saying it’s been on their to-do list for more than 12 months.
The research from The Association of Lifetime Lawyers shows that almost half (49%) of adults don’t have a Will in place, meaning their wishes might not be carried out when they die.
The new data also reveals that one in 10 have started making a Will but haven’t finished it, and nearly a third say they haven’t made a Will because they don’t know how to get started.
Worryingly, a quarter who have making a Will on their to-do list would prioritise watching TV over getting it done.
These findings could leave many bereaved families distressed if their loved ones haven’t communicated their wishes legally through a Will.
We all know how important this type of life admin is – but this research shows just how hard people find it to get started.
It doesn’t need to take a long time to prepare or update your Will, especially if you have an expert to guide you through the process.
And it’s time well spent, reducing the burden on your loved ones after your death, and reducing the risk of disputes that can be costly in time and money to resolve.
Many people think they’re too young to write a Will, and understandably don’t like to think about the worst that could happen.
But Association of Lifetime Lawyers members often have to deal with cases where a badly drafted or non-existent Will has caused undue distress to those left behind.
The research also shows 21% of Wils are handwritten or have handwritten amendments which could make them illegible and therefore difficult to understand.
To get your Will right, it’s always safest to speak to a specialist, like an accredited lifetime lawyer, who can help you plan for the future and communicate your wishes in the right way.
It’s best practice to review and update your Will every five years or when a major change in your life occurs that impacts you or your loved ones, such as a marriage or civil partnership, divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, a new birth, a death in your family, or if you or one of your beneficiaries has obtained a gender recognition certificate.
If you’re not sure where to get started with writing your Will, here’s some tips on things to consider.
For more information contact www.goughs.co.uk
Formerly known as Solicitors for the Elderly or SFE, the Association of Lifetime Lawyers represents a community of the most qualified legal professionals in the UK supporting vulnerable and older people with expert advice and support.
