There is a “striking gap” between how parents might wish to ensure their children are cared for in the event of their death, and the reality according to research published as part of this year’s annual will-writing charity campaign Will Aid.
Despite having strong views about who they would not want to raise their children, nine in ten parents have not appointed a legal guardian in their Will. When parents were asked who they would not want their children to be cared for by if they died, 19% said someone their children did not know well, while the same proportion said they would not want them cared for by someone who was not emotionally ready for the responsibility.
The research found 62% of parents surveyed either do not have a Will or have one which is out of date. More than half have never made a will, while a further 10% admit their existing Will no longer reflects their current circumstances or wishes.
On who they would want their children to go to in the event of their death, one in five parents said they would not want their children to go to anyone other than their chosen guardian. The research also raised concerns about children going to elderly relatives who might struggle physically, someone who was not financially stable and someone with very different values or beliefs to them.
Trusha Velji, director and solicitor at a participating Will Aid firm, Touch Solicitors, commented: “The figures demonstrate just how personal this decision is. Whether the concern is someone’s relationship with the children, their emotional readiness, their age, finances or simply that they hold very different values, parents understandably want a say in something so fundamental.”
Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director at Will Aid, added: “As a parent, few decisions could be more important than thinking about who you would want to care for your children if you were no longer there. With almost two thirds of parents surveyed either without a Will or relying on one which is out of date, we want to encourage families to stop putting it off.”
Will Aid is a nationwide campaign that takes place every November and sees participating solicitors across the UK volunteer their time to write basic Wills, waiving their usual fee in exchange for a voluntary donation.
