More than half of over-55s in the UK risk leaving their loved ones with confusion and legal stress by failing to write or update a valid Will, new research has revealed.
According to a national survey commissioned by the Will-writing campaign Will Aid, 53% of adults over 55 either don’t have a Will at all or have one that is out of date and no longer reflects their wishes.
Of those surveyed, 41% said they had never written a Will, while a further 12% admitted theirs was no longer current.
And with two in five over-55s saying they are unlikely to take action in the next year, the problem is set to grow.
Lauren Poole, Chair of Will Aid, said the findings should be a wake-up call.
“These numbers should set serious alarm bells ringing,” she said.
“The absence of a valid Will doesn’t just cause legal delays, it creates confusion, stress and even conflict for grieving families at what is already an emotional time.
“Writing a Will is one of the simplest, kindest things you can do and Will Aid makes it accessible to everyone.”
Many respondents cited uncertainty and avoidance as key reasons for not having a Will.
More than a quarter (26%) said they didn’t understand how it works or found the process too complex.
One in five said cost was a factor, while another 20% admitted they just hadn’t found the time.
Seventeen percent said they simply didn’t like thinking about death.
For those who do have a Will, regular updates remain a problem.
Almost half (45%) said they hadn’t updated theirs in more than four years and one in five had never updated it at all.
That can have serious consequences, especially when circumstances change.
Sunil Kambli, a solicitor with Premier Solicitors in Bedford, has supported Will Aid for two decades and says many people don’t realise how quickly life events can make a Will outdated.
“Whether it’s the death of a relative, a divorce, a new relationship, or the birth of children or stepchildren, we always advise reviewing your Will regularly,” he said.
“Having a Will is essential for ensuring your wishes are respected and for giving peace of mind to your loved ones.”
Will Aid is a nationwide campaign that takes place every November.
Participating solicitors volunteer their time to write basic Wills in exchange for a voluntary donation, usually £120 for a single Will or £200 for mirror Wills.
Donations support eight UK charities including Age UK, Christian Aid, NSPCC, British Red Cross, and Scotland’s SCIAF.
Shelter and Crisis are new additions to the scheme this year.
Appointments can be made in person or remotely. Those interested can find participating firms at willaid.org.uk/lookup
