Depending on which statistics you accept, 70 or 75% of the adult population do NOT have a legally valid Last Will & Testament. Many people are actually concerned about this ‘irresponsibility’ when their personal arrangements in all other aspects of their lives are exemplary.
So why is it that people don’t make a Will? It’s not that they are unable to face up to the fact that they will eventually die and leave their possessions to someone else - for most people this is at some time in the distant future - they know that making a Will is a long term permanent insurance against unforeseen accidents or illness. They know that without a Will the family they may leave behind are almost certainly going to be faced with additional difficulties and suffering at the worst possible time.
Surveys reveal that making a Will is something that is considered as frequently as every six months and yet thousands of people die every day leaving their families with all the problems of Intestacy. There is plenty of information available on the subject. Several major charities are providing free literature to encourage people to make a Will (and a bequest to their particular good cause) - but so far, all this has had very little effect.
LSUK believe that there is always a good reason for writing a Will - it is difficult to suggest reasons for not doing so. Nevertheless, many people assume their spouse will inherit everything and there is nothing to worry about. There are some major flaws in this type of thinking.
• Firstly, most people would like to state their intentions properly - possibly leaving gifts to special friends and charities.
• Secondly, dying without a Will causes difficulties and delays at the very time when families can do without any additional problems.
• Thirdly, who actually inherits your property and assets?
If you’re one of the 70%+, talk to LSUK as soon as you can.
Filed under: Legal Advice, Wills
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