Millions of Britons lacking wills, study finds

A new study has revealed that more than half of the UK's adult population are lacking wills.

According to Unbiased.co.uk, 28 million such people are without the legal documents, meaning their estates may not go to the parties they would wish them to in the event of their deaths.

It was also found that 65 per cent of people with children aged under 18 have not written a will.

Commenting on the issue, chief executive of the organisation Karen Barrett pointed out that when someone dies without a will, their assets are distributed according to the rules of intestacy.

In turn, this could lead to family disputes and large inheritance tax charges, she claimed.

Ms Barrett added: "By having a will in place families can avoid worry and stress at an already difficult time."

Earlier this month, legal expert Adam Draper suggested there has been an increase in the number of will disputes as family structures have become more complex, the Birmingham Post reported.
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26/10/2009 14:57

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