Britons ‘should not be apathetic about wills’

Posted 14/07/2009

People in the UK have been encouraged to make sure they have a legally-binding will in place.

According to a poll by consumer group Which?, 56 per cent of Britons do not currently have a will.

Respondents said this is because they do not think they need one, have not yet thought about it or simply have not got round to drawing up a document.

Which? warned that this could result in “serious consequences” for friends and relatives who are left behind after a person’s death.

“If you die without getting your affairs in order, your money, personal belongings and even your home could go to the person you least want to have them,” said spokesman Peter McCarthy.

The survey also showed that many people in the UK are unaware of some of the consequences of not having a will.

For instance, 43 per cent of respondents did not know that if a couple has separated but not divorced, the estranged partner can still inherit most of the deceased person’s estate.

This echoes recent advice from Standard Life, which said making a will and keeping it up to date could save family and friends from considerable distress.