Consumers ‘must overcome misconceptions about writing Wills’

Posted 14/01/2010

Those looking to take responsibility for their future financial planning should not be taken in by common misconceptions about writing Wills, according to a professional body.

The Fellowship of Willwriters and Probate Practitioners has raised concerns that too many people are currently assuming that their families will receive their inheritance automatically, or that they have nothing worth bequeathing.

It warned that such an attitude can leave loved ones facing legal complications, as they are forced to claim their inheritance via the courts or become subject to complex intestacy laws.

As a result, Rita Leat, president of the Fellowship, called on consumers to think about writing Willsas soon as possible, as well as highlighting the importance of taking professional advice.

She said: “It is important that the public use a professionally trained and qualified Willwriter, as unfortunately there are too many cases in which people are victims of rogue Willwriters.”

This comes after the body last month revealed that almost 90 per cent of 18-30 year olds have not written their Willsyet, despite the risk this poses to their spouses and children.