Research shows too many waiting too long before making Wills warns legal expert
The region’s best-known law firm has warned that too many people are waiting too long to make Wills thereby potentially causing havoc for their families
Frankie Harwood of QualitySolicitors Mander Cruickshank said recent research proved there is wide scale reluctance in the UK to make Wills.
The research carried out by Remember a Charity, a body encouraging charitable donations in Wills, has found out that the average Briton waits until his or her 70s before facing their mortality.
“The average age is 72 that most people finally get around to drawing up a document that has a huge impact on those left behind,” said Ms Harwood.
“Also only one in five people over the age of 50 are yet to discuss their Will with their family or friends,” she added. “We cannot say that these statistics are a shock to us as professionals who draw up Wills, but it does highlight a problem, when the average man in the UK lives to 77 and woman 81.
Ms Harwood said this reluctance to face mortality is why so many people die each year intestate, which means without a Will.
She added that only a third of people make a Will before they die, despite the need for Wills being greater than ever.
“The issue is two-fold, first making a Will is seldom urgent and therefore tends to be put on the back burner, and secondly there is reluctance by many people to face the uncomfortable fact that they are not going live for ever,” said Ms Harwood.
“We need people to help their family at what will be one of the most traumatic times in their lives as the last thing loved ones need when they are grieving is a family falling out,” she said.
“For the good of your family it really makes sense to do it as soon as possible, especially at a time when family structures are more complex than ever,” she said.
Anyone wishing to find out more about Wills should contact QualitySolicitors Mander Cruickshank on 01530 510666.
