Number of people without a Will at an all-time high

A SOLICITOR has encouraged people to make a Will after figures revealed the number of adults without one in the UK is at an all-time high.

According to research, the percentage of adults at risk of dying without a valid Will in place is around 60%, even more than the previous peak in 2011.

Shian Hughes from Rhyl and Colwyn Bay-based legal firm QualitySolicitors Edward Hughes, says it is important people have security and peace of mind, to avoid potential conflict and the law deciding who should inherit property and possessions when they die.

Shian, from Denbigh, joined the company in 2013 having trained in Dolgellau and later spent 15 years practising Wills and Probate and Conveyancing in Cardiff.

She says the sector has never been busier but there is still a huge shortfall – more than 30million adults in the UK – who have yet to make a Will.

“It is a staggering figure when you consider writing a Will comes at a relatively low cost and does not take long to put in place,” said Shian, who studied at Chester College of Law, and graduated from Aberystwyth University with a Law Degree.

“I think the number of online companies popping up means people tend to think they can do it themselves, but for something so important it’s better to talk face to face rather than filling in a questionnaire because you never know what will come out in conversation.”

QualitySolicitors Edward Hughes holds free weekly support and advice clinics for people wanting to find out more.

“This area of my work is busier than ever, and that’s perhaps because the world has changed so much in such a short space of time,” said Shian.

“Often now people are married more than once, or have children from different relationships, and looking at how best to divide up your belongings and preventing any future complications or issues is more complex than ever.

“It’s not just about material things, there are circumstances around guardianship of children and responsibility going forward so it’s important to get it right, and to make sure you look at your Will every few years to ensure it is accurate.”

She added: “People tend to associate writing a Will with death but things can happen to us at any age so I would encourage people to get in touch, even just for advice and to find out more as a safety net.”

“The most important and rewarding part of being a solicitor is trying to help people, especially at what can be a difficult time, so to make that as simple and painless as possible in advance is vital.”

The study also found those aged 55 and over are three times more likely to have a Will than those aged 18-34. However, even in this age group more than a third (37%) don’t have one.   A common misconception is that people feel they are simply not ‘rich enough’ to need a Will.

For more information on preparing a Will, call Shian Hughes at QualitySolicitors Edward Hughes on 01745 343661 or visit the website: www.qualitysolicitors.com/edwardhughes