Why Writing a Will is Essential to Avoid Family Disputes

People are being urged to ensure they have an up-to-date Will to avoid family rifts over inheritance in the future. Writing a Will is the best way to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to prevent disputes among loved ones.

The warning comes after the Law Society revealed that 52% of people in England and Wales have not made a Will.

A Law Society survey also found that 11% of people in England and Wales had dealt with the estate of someone who died in the last four years. Of those, 26% reported experiencing a problem or dispute as part of the process.

Consequences of Dying Without a Will

When someone dies without a Will, their estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which can lead to unintended consequences and family disputes. Under these rules, only married or civil partners and close biological relatives can automatically inherit, meaning that long-term partners or friends could receive nothing.

One major issue is that intestacy does not consider personal relationships or the wishes of the deceased. If there are no surviving close relatives, the entire estate could pass to the Crown rather than to close friends or charities the deceased may have wanted to support.

Family Disputes and Legal Challenges

Family disputes are another common problem. Without clear instructions, relatives may disagree over how assets should be divided, leading to costly legal battles and lasting resentment.

In cases where multiple heirs are entitled to inherit, disagreements can arise over the sale of property, handling of sentimental items, or financial responsibilities for settling the estate.

Protecting Children and Loved Ones

For those with children, intestacy can create uncertainty about guardianship arrangements. If both parents pass away without specifying their wishes, the decision about who will care for the children falls to the courts, which may not align with what the parents would have chosen.

Keeping Your Will Up to Date

The Law Society is urging people to make a Will and keep it updated every five years to ensure it meets current needs and circumstances.

Write a Will Month – Make a Difference While Protecting Your Loved Ones

During April, our Machins is offering professional Will writing service in exchange for a charitable donation to Age Concern Luton, rather than the usual legal fees. This initiative provides an opportunity for individuals to put their affairs in order while also giving back to the community. Click here to find out more about Write a Will Month.