Understanding the importance of wills: Insights from the Law Society’s recent survey

A recent survey by the Law Society found that 11% of people in England and Wales have handled the estate of someone who died in the last four years. Among those, 26% faced problems or disputes during the process. Additionally, 52% of people do not have a will.

Updating your will every five years or whenever your situation changes can make the probate process easier for your loved ones when you are gone.

Changes to the process of making wills are coming. The Law Commission plans to publish its report on will reform in April 2025, along with a draft Will Bill. This bill aims to modernise wills to suit today’s needs.

Richard Atkinson, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, said, “Will modernisation is long overdue. We expect important changes in areas like electronic wills.” He also noted that the performance of the probate service has improved, with fewer outstanding cases since early 2023. He also stressed that the Law Society will keep pushing for further improvements because grieving families deserve a clear probate process, which starts with an updated will.

The National Will Register, which has partnered with the Law Society for nearly 20 years, said, “We understand that making a will is not enough. It’s also important that it reflects your current wishes and can be found when needed. Digital tools like will registration help ensure that loved ones can locate the will easily and improve how law firms manage wills.”

If you’re looking to create or update your will, our Wealth Preservation Team is here to assist you. We offer expert guidance to ensure that your will reflects your wishes, and our team can help with the process, answer your questions, and ensure that everything is in order for your loved ones. Don’t wait, reach out to us today to secure your legacy and provide peace of mind for the future.