Opinium Research Suggests 32% of Over 55’s have not Made a Will

Nov. 1, 2012 - PRLog -- The poll surveyed 2009 Brits about their finances, death and taxes.  The least prepared region in the UK was those living in the North East where 70% of adults had not made a will.  This was followed by Northern Ireland (65%) and the North West (61%).  The South East and East were the best prepared, where 49% and 53% of people did not have a will.

14% of respondents said that they have procrastinated because they are worried about the costs involved.  However, making a will can cost as little as £25.  IWC Ltd offer an online will writing service which costs £25 to have a single will professionally drafted and sent in email format.  Should you wish to meet with a consultant in person, fees start from just £120 plus VAT.

IWC’s will writing fees - http://www.iwc-ltd.co.uk/making-a-will__cost-of-making-a-will.html


11% said they believed their estate will automatically be inherited by the right people.  Intestacy law does not always work like that.  For example common law partners have no right to inherit.  This can leave loved ones in untenable financial situations, if you were separated and living with a new partner, your ex would actually be the main beneficiary of your estate.

Children only inherit an estate in its entirety if the deceased person is not married.  This may be fine when it comes to nuclear families but these days, complex circumstances could mean that children from previous marriages do not receive their legacy.

Find out more about what happens if you die without a will - http://iwc-ltd.co.uk/blog/5-myths-about-making-a-will-explained/


42% of participants said they’d never considered inheritance tax.  Inheritance tax effects those who are likely to leave assets excess of the threshold of £325,000.  It is often referred to as ‘optional’ as there are many loopholes to avoid it.  Those who don’t make any preparations to mitigate ‘death tax’ can end up losing 40% of their wealth to the Government.

See the full results of the poll here - http://www.unbiased.co.uk/news/latest-research-reveals-58-uk-adults-don%E2%80%99t-have-will-unbiasedcouk-partnersh-22-10-2012-12970