June 29, 2015

Will disputes tearing many families apart

Macmillan Cancer Support carried out a study which highlighted the problems that can arise when people die without making any arrangements.

Arguments are not uncommon, particularly in cases where the deceased has promised something to a friend or relative but left no instructions to that effect.

Almost one in five feuds is so serious it ultimately breaks up the family.

Macmillan surveyed 2,000 adults and found that almost 60 per cent had not made a valid Will.

The most common reason was that people simply hadn’t got round to it, with others arguing that they had nothing of value to leave to their loved ones or didn’t think they were old enough to worry.

Dani Adams, the charity’s legacy manager said: “We want to encourage people to look to the future in a positive way.

“With estimates showing that by 2020 one in two people will get cancer in their lifetime, it's about making sure that there will be support for their loved ones in the future.”

Martin Lewis, founder of advice website MoneySavingExpert.com, added: “Not having a Will can heap financial stress onto the grief.

“If you have assets, it's important to decide what you want to happen to them. If you don't, your money and assets could be locked away with your loved ones unable to access them - causing all types of problems.”

By making a Will you decide which of your family, friends or favourite charities inherits your assets. For more information on our private client services please visit or contact Tony Millson.

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