“Shocking” numbers of parents failing on wills

Seven out of 10 UK parents do not have a legal guardian in place to care for their children in the event of their deaths, according to latest research.

The data, commissioned by Solicitors for the Elderly (SfE) as part of Update your Will Week 2023, also found that more than half of wills have not been re-assessed and amended within the past five years.

Commenting on the figures Michael Culver, chair of SFE, said: “It’s shocking how many parents don’t have a will in place or haven’t appointed a legal guardian for their children. Godparents don’t count as legal guardians, so to avoid the risk of the courts deciding what happens to your children, you really should make a will and update it every five years.

“It’s crucial to keep your will up to date and take legal advice when life-changing events happen, like getting re-married or having children.”

SfE also reports that fewer than one fifth of parents (17 per cent) realise that social services or the courts can decide what happens to their children if they don’t have a will.

Update your Will Week is designed to underline the importance of a well-drafted will in ensuring all of a person’s wishes are carried out when they die. It also raises awareness of how a clearly drafted will can help reduce distress for loved ones and minimise any disputes.

There are two options when someone wants to update their will. A codicil, signed and witnessed in the same way as the current will, can be used for minor alterations. More significant changes will require a new will that accurately reflects a person’s latest wishes and focuses on changes to their circumstances.

Update your Will Week 2023 runs from 23-29 January this year.