Charity warns 71% of adults in Wales lack valid Wills
A survey by national charity Will Aid has found that 71% of adults in Wales either do not have a Will or have one that is out of date.
The poll, which surveyed more than 2,000 people across the country, revealed 64% in Wales have never made a Will, while a further 7% admitted theirs no longer reflects their current wishes.
Across the UK, 56% of people do not have a Will, and 10% said theirs is out of date.
The research suggested financial pressures are a key factor, with 20% citing the cost of instructing a solicitor as the reason they have not sorted a Will. Other reasons included never finding the time (20%), feeling uncomfortable talking about death (17%) and concerns about the process being too complicated (26%).
Nationally, the average time since people last updated their Wills is six years, with nearly 19% saying they have never updated theirs. Only 45% have done so in the past four years.
Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid Campaign Director, said: “Making a Will is a loving act for those you care about. It provides a clear plan and guidance for your family after you’re gone.
“We know thinking about death is uncomfortable and considering your final wishes can be daunting but not having a Will can lead to confusion and distress among family members and beneficiaries, at an already upsetting time.
“The statistics on outdated Wills are worrying, because circumstances change, and it’s crucial to keep your documents up to date to ensure they reflect your current situation.
“Having a Will is essential for ensuring your wishes are respected and providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones and keeping that document up to date is vital, especially when circumstances in your life change.
“Common reasons for updating your Will might include the death of a relative, divorce or separation, having children or gaining stepchildren. We advise you to regularly review your Will to make sure it still outlines your wishes.
“Will Aid is the perfect opportunity to have your Will professionally drawn up or to have it updated, while supporting charities that help some of the most vulnerable people in the UK and abroad.
“Getting your Will drafted by a solicitor is the safest way to ensure it is done correctly and legally.
“This year, you can finally tick that task off your to-do list by securing an appointment with a participating Will Aid solicitor – it can be an in-person meeting if there is a participating firm near you, otherwise you will be offered firms that can do it remotely, so wherever you are in the UK, you can get your affairs in order through Will Aid this year.
“It’s a straightforward and easy process, allowing you to secure your family’s future while supporting to important causes.”
Will Aid takes place every November and sees solicitors across the UK volunteer their time to write basic Wills. Instead of charging a fee, they invite clients to make a voluntary donation, suggested at £120 for a single basic Will and £200 for a pair of basic ‘mirror’ Wills.
The donations support the work of eight charities: Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, SCIAF, Trócaire, Shelter and Crisis.
Appointments opened on 1 September and can be booked with a participating solicitor in person or remotely via www.willaid.org.uk/lookup
.
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
