Start of National Will Week

Initiative aims to increase awareness of dangers of dying intestate

News, 23 October 2006

More than 60% of adults in the UK have not made a will, according to a recent survey.

National Will Week, which starts on Monday 23 October, will be encouraging people across the country to make their wills.

The survey reveals that of the two-thirds (65%) who have not made a will, 40% felt that they were too young or that there was no need to write one in the near future. One in 10 said that it had never occurred to them, whilst 26% felt they had nothing to leave.

Although 63% of the over-50s group have made a will, out of those who have not, 23% had not yet decided how their estate will be divided.

Thomas Coles, managing director of Lawpack Publishing, organiser of National Will Week said: “We are delighted to have received parliamentary cross-party support and we urgently ask that people wake up to the importance of making a will. It isn’t difficult or expensive but not doing so can cause unnecessary strife and stress for family and loved ones during a very difficult time.”

Simon Hughes MP, President of the Liberal Democrats, said: “Making a will is something that millions of people put off because they think they will have plenty of time left later.

“It is good to be reminded once a year that everybody benefits if they carry out the simple process of making a will. Once a will is written, the individual has made their views and intentions clear.

"Families have much less to argue about and much less worry and stress, and insurance companies and banks all then know where they stand. National Will Week should help us all to turn our good intentions into best laid plans.”