Legal News | 6.12.24

Last Christmas, I didn’t have a Will

The National Will Register reports in their yearly ‘National Wills Report’ that 47% of adults in the UK have not yet made a Will. Although this number has decreased since 2023, it is still a worryingly high percentage. Making a Will is one of the most important steps an individual can take to ensure their wishes are honoured after death and 47% of UK adults currently risk dying intestate.

To truly understand the importance of preparing a Will, it is important to understand the consequences of dying without one.

Where intestacy rules apply, a deceased’s estate will be distributed following a strict order, usually starting with spouse, children or parents.  Without a Will, the intestacy rules do not consider the proximity of your relationships, the needs of your loved ones, and most importantly, they do not consider your wishes.

These rules can lead to estranged family members benefitting before close friends and family members, simply because they are closer in the order of intestacy.

Preparing a Will may allow you to minimise tax liabilities and ensure your post-death wishes are followed. It can also help reduce the stress placed on your loved ones, giving them clarity as to your wishes and the next steps.