Research recently published reveals some shocking statistics about Wills. It found that:

• over six in ten people do not have a Will;

• another one in ten does have a Will but has not told anyone where it is kept, and

• one in eight has not reviewed their Will for more than ten years.

Children would be most affected as more than two-thirds of parents with children under the age of five have not made a Will and, of those that have, 46 per cent had not reviewed it in the past five years.

Nearly half of those aged between 55 and 64 have not made a will, with 22 per cent admitting that they had never thought about making one. The poll also found that more than one in eight were relying on self-written Wills.

The survey also indicated that nearly a quarter of people have never even thought about making their Will and about the same amount thought they were too poor to have a Will.

But when it comes to making a Will, eight out of ten people said they would prefer a face to face meeting with an adviser and only 4% of people trusted guidance obtained from online forums

David Farr from kenneth elliott + rowe solicitors comments: “Clearly it is a good idea to get professional advice and make a Will. But it is just as important to keep it up to date – there are a fair number of people out there who have actually made a Will but it is subsequently revoked, partially or wholly, by marriage or divorce.”

For further help and assistance on our fixed costs Wills or Probate and associated matters please contact David Farr or Keith Darvill on 01708 757575 or email david.farr@ker.co.uk or keith.darvill@ker.co.uk