Nearly 60% of UK adults don’t have a will

A recent survey conducted by JMW Solicitors, which polled 1,097 UK adults, has revealed that nearly 60% of people in the UK do not currently have a will.

Despite widespread recognition of its importance, a significant gap remains between understanding the need for a will and taking action to create one. Key Findings suggest:

• 58% of respondents do not have a will
• 77% believe having a will is important
• 78% say they would consider creating a will in the future
• Only 25% created their first will before the age of 35
• 24% have not created a will because they don’t think they have enough assets

The findings highlight a widespread reluctance to plan for the future, despite the risks of dying intestate. For those who have taken the step to create a will, family considerations are the primary motivation:

• 61% created their will to benefit their children
• 20% did so for their partner
• 6% cited another family member as their reason
• 9% made a will specifically to prevent a particular family member from benefiting from their estate

This means that nearly 90% of wills are created with family in mind, whether to provide for loved ones or to prevent unwanted inheritance disputes. When asked about leaving an inheritance, the responses were clear:

• 70% said it was either very important (30%) or somewhat important (40%)
• 25% did not consider it important

What’s more, 54% of respondents believe their family can amicably distribute their assets without a will. However, nearly half are either unsure (23%) or do not believe this is possible (23%), suggesting that family disputes remain a valid concern.

While 77% of respondents acknowledge the importance of having a will, the fact that 58% have not yet written one indicates a major disconnect between awareness and action. Common reasons for delaying include:

• Believing they don’t have enough assets (24%)
• Not feeling the urgency to draft one
• Uncertainty about the process

Joe Cobb, Head of Private Wealth at JMW Solicitors, said:

“While it’s encouraging to see that 77% of the UK understands the importance of having a will, the fact that 58% of people still do not have one in place is deeply concerning. This discrepancy suggests a gap in both awareness and action.

Without a will, individuals leave their estates to be divided according to the laws of intestacy, which may not reflect their wishes. This can cause unnecessary stress and conflict for loved ones at an already difficult time. By having a will, people can ensure that their assets are distributed according to their preferences, provide clear instructions for the care of dependants, and ultimately protect their family and legacy from avoidable legal complications.”