Get will writing off your to do list
In this article, our Senior Partner and Head of Wills and Estates, Tom Morrish, is encouraging people to think about the risks of not having a will in place following new research from the Association of Lifetime Lawyers. Their studies show that almost half of adults in the UK don’t have a will in place, meaning that their wishes might not be carried out when they die.
The new data reveals 1 in 10 UK adults 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. A quarter of people who have making a will on their to-do list, would prioritise watching TV over getting a will in place.
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.
These are worrying findings and could leave many bereaved families distressed if their loved ones haven’t communicated their wishes legally through a will.
Tom comments: “We all know how important this type of life admin is, but our 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 our members often have to deal with cases where a badly drafted or non-existent will has caused undue distress to those left behind.
“Our research shows 21 per cent of wills 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 are unsure where to start with writing your will the Association of Lifetime Lawyers has some useful tips. By instructing experienced wills and estates solicitors, individuals can ensure that their will is legally valid, their wishes are clearly communicated, and their loved ones are adequately provided for.
Author: Tom Morrish, wills and estates.
