Dying without a will significantly increases the risk of family feuds

Published: 30/06/2015

Figures suggest that more than a million Brits have had a family feud after a relative died without making a Will. Of these nearly one in five were such serious feuds that they led to a family break up with relatives no longer talking to each other.

Despite this, a recent survey of 2,000 adults by Macmillan Cancer Support has revealed that 59% of the survey respondents had not made a Will. When asked the main reasons given were ‘just never got round to it’, ‘don’t have anything valuable to leave’ and ‘don’t think I need to make a will until I’m older’.

However dying without a Last Will and Testament can have significant consequences on family relationships as the figures show. Not only that, but dying intestate can affect your family in other ways too.

Head of Wills and Probate, Linda Cummins explains:

“If you die without writing a will your estate is subject to the Rules of Intestacy. These rules determine who can inherit from your estate. This means that some of your dependents may not be provided for as you would have wanted. Dealing with intestacy is often very stressful for the family and this can be increased because the Rules of Intestacy also set out who can manage and administer your estate. Some may find this responsibility considerably more onerous than others.

“Whilst making a Will can seem daunting, without one your money and assets – such as your house – could be the subject of legal wrangles and your family may end up suffering whilst this is all dealt with. Losing a loved one is stressful enough without the added heartache of family disputes or legal arguments.”

Content correct at time of publication