Did you know that research from 2024 showed that nearly half of all UK adults do not have a Will in place.

43% of UK adults aged over 30 who don’t have a Will said it’s been on their to-do list for more than a year, whilst 1 in 10 UK adults had started making a Will but hadn’t finished it. Nearly a third (32%) said they hadn’t made a Will because they didn’t know how to get started, with a quarter of people saying they prioritise watching TV!

Afonwy Howell-Pryce, partner at Harding Evans Solicitors, says that bereaved families could be left distressed if their loved ones haven’t communicated their wishes legally through a Will.

“We know how important this type of life admin is, but the research shows just how hard people find it to get started. It doesn’t need to take a long time to prepare or update your Will, especially if you have an expert to guide you through the process. And it’s time well spent, reducing both the burden on your loved ones after your death, and the risk of any costly disputes.

“Many people think they’re too young to write a will and understandably find the subject a bit morbid, but if you own a home or have children it is crucial to have a Will in place, just in case the worst happens.

“It is also important that your Will is professionally written. Wills that are handwritten could be illegible or difficult to understand. To get your Will right, it’s always safest to speak to a specialist, who can help you plan for the future and communicate your wishes in the right way.

“It’s best practice to review and update your Will every five years, or when a major change in your life occurs that impacts you or your loved ones, such as a marriage or civil partnership, divorce or dissolution of a relationship, a new birth or death in the family, or a new business venture.”

To discuss writing or updating a Will, contact Afonwy and the Harding Evans Solicitors team on 029 2167 4274.