A recent survey conducted by JMW Solicitors has revealed that almost half of UK respondents are unsure whether their family members would be able to distribute their inheritance fairly and amicably in the absence of a will.
The survey, conducted among 1,097 respondents, found that 22.8% of people are uncertain whether their families could divide their estate fairly without a will, while 23.1% outright believe disputes would arise. Despite this, 58.4% of respondents have not yet made a will, highlighting a significant gap between awareness of potential inheritance disputes and taking action to prevent them.
With only 54.1% of respondents confident that their families would distribute assets fairly without a will, the findings suggest a widespread concern about potential conflicts over inheritance. This uncertainty is compounded by the fact that 61% of those who have made a will did so primarily to provide for their children, while only 5.6% cited ensuring fairness among family members as their main reason.
The majority (76.6%) of respondents acknowledge the importance of having a will, yet a significant proportion have not taken steps to draft one. Additionally, 77.9% stated they would consider making a will in the future, 10.4% remain undecided, and 11.7% have no intention of creating one at all.
The survey also explored attitudes towards inheritance, with 70.2% of respondents indicating that leaving an inheritance is either ‘very important’ or ‘somewhat important’ to them. However, without a will in place, the risk of disputes increases, particularly given that nearly half of the respondents lack confidence in their family’s ability to divide assets fairly. Joe Cobb, Head of Private Wealth at JMW Solicitors, commented:
“This survey highlights a growing concern about the impact of inheritance disputes, particularly where no formal estate plan is in place. Without a legally binding will, families can face unnecessary complications, higher tax liabilities, potential conflicts, and legal costs that could have been avoided.
Taking the time to draft a will ensures that your estate is handled according to your wishes and provides much-needed clarity for your loved ones.”
