Inheritance cases in the High Court increase by 76%

In 2012, 490 inheritance cases were heard in the High Court, this rose to 861 in 2013 — a 76% increase. That number is expected to have risen again when the 2014 figures become available.

A number of factors are contributing to the rise in claims, including the fragmented nature of modern families; with second marriages and estranged children becoming more commonplace.

The largest contributory factor is people not having an up-to-date will, or failing to plan for their old age or illness with a power of attorney. This is leading to family arguments and disputes over who should inherit what, which can mean having to go through the courts, with all of the associated expense and time that goes along with making a claim.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there are currently 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and in the next decade this could increase to over one million and, by 2051, to two million. Similarly, according to research by the cancer charity, Macmillan, nearly 300,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year – a significant number of whom will be unable to manage their finances at some point during their illness. However, it is estimated that only one in four cancer sufferers sets up a power of attorney.

The latest figures showed 246,000 power of attorneys were registered in 2013 and around half of Britons have never made a will.

As professionals in the wills and probate industry, we know that the only way to ensure our clients’ finances are looked after, and their wishes granted, is to make a will and take out a lasting power of attorney.

With mistakes being rife with DIY wills and POAs, what more can professionals do in the wills and probate industry to ensure that up-to-date wills are made and our clients’ wishes are fulfilled?