UK will statistics are an important part of understanding why having a will is SO important.
I’d be willing to bet that most people know that they should have a will – especially if they own property, have any pensions, investments, or anything they want to pass on to their loved ones.
But actually doing it… is a different matter altogether.
Every now and then you’ll read a news story that says ‘4 in 10 people don’t have a will’ or ‘50% of people in the UK die intestate’, or some variation of it.
The reality is that the figures will differ depending on the research and how it’s quantified. For example, a recent study found that 40% of homeowners don’t have a will, which is a particularly stark figure given that it could present a significant issue if they die unexpectedly.
And look, nobody likes to talk about later life, death, and all things morbid – but it’s a necessity. Looking after your loved ones, whether that’s a partner, children, parents, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, stepchildren, or anyone else, is always your number one priority.
Which is why creating a will and keeping it up to date is an absolute must.
To be connected to a specialist solicitor near to where you live, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
Will Statistics UK
So, while the general trend of people not having wills in the UK continues, there is some positive news – enquiries are on the up.
Solicitors have reported a significant uptick in enquiries since 2020, but the overall figures still show that between 40-50% of adults in the UK don’t have a valid will.
There’s been a trend in more people considering wills and estate planning in recent years, but it’ll take some time before figures catch up with where experts believe it should be.
It can be an emotionally uncomfortable topic to consider, but the figures show that as we get older, more of us consider creating a will. In total, 79% of over 65s have a valid will, while that figure reduces to 57% for those aged between 55 and 64.
It’s a common misconception that you need to have a certain amount of assets, investments, property, or earnings to create a will – there’s NO minimum starting point.
If you’ve got certain plans for your funeral, arrangements you wish to make or loved ones you want to look after in the event of your death, you SHOULD create a will.
If you die without a valid will, this is known as dying intestate.
It means that their estate will be shared out according to intestacy rules, which means that only married or civil partners or specific close relatives can inherit assets.
Intestacy rules apply BOTH if there is not a will AND if there is a will that isn’t valid.
Why Should I Create A Will?
Why not?
Life is busy and complicated, and our circumstances are ever-changing.
But having an up to date will means that if the worst should happen, your loved ones will be looked after in the way you’d want.
Factor in the factor that families are complicated, and no two families are the same, and your will is probably the most unique AND important document you’ll ever make.
The rule to remember is:
If it changes your life, it changes your will.
If you get married, divorced, have a baby, lose a loved one, or your circumstances change for any reason and your priorities for your will are different, then you MUST update it.
And we get it, creating and maintaining an up to date will is one of those things in life that people don’t really want to do…
But believe me, it’s worth it.
Find A Solicitor Near Me To Help Write A Will…
Creating a will can be a complex process and your circumstances are completely unique to you – and your wishes are too.
The smartest thing to do is seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity to explore your options and ensure you create a will that’s valid and fulfils your wishes.
At Solicitors Near Me, we connect you with a specialist solicitor near to where you live or work to help with your will writing requirements.
We don’t charge anything for our service and you’re under no obligation to work with any solicitor we connect you with – it’s up to you.
Yep, our service really is completely FREE – and if you choose not to go ahead with the solicitor we connect you with, you won’t pay a penny (but we don’t think this is very likely as all of our solicitors are great).
Find A Will Writing Solicitor Near Me Now
To be connected to a specialist solicitor near to where you live, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
