NEWS RELEASE: 13 JUNE 2017

65% OF PEOPLE IN NORTH YORKSHIRE DO NOT HAVE A WILL, SAYS NEW SURVEY

A SURVEY OF RESIDENTS IN THE LOCAL AREA REVEALS AN INCREDIBLE 65% OF PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE A WILL AND 41% OF PEOPLE HAVE NEVER REVIEWED THEIR CURRENT WILL, RISKING LOVED ONES BEING CUT OUT AND DISINHERITED.

North Yorkshire Law surveyed 18 - 65 year olds, across different marital states and with an income of under 20k to plus 70k, across the North and East Yorkshire region, including Scarborough.

"We decided to run the survey to understand people's attitudes towards wills across our county, given will disputes have risen by 700%₁ in recent years", says Richard Boyd, Partner at North Yorkshire Law.

When it comes to the benefits of having a will 43% of respondents said it is for "peace of mind" and that it "prevents the law making such important decisions", whilst 44% say it is "to secure a loved one's future".

"Not only can a will legally protect your spouse, children, and assets, it puts you in control of your assets and savings. By not having a will or not reviewing their current will, people are putting themselves at risk of their assets not going where they actually intend - such as an ex-spouse with whom they had a bitter divorce.

"The results suggest people wish to have a full say in what happens to savings once they are gone and they do not want the law to decide. So, it is surprising that so many people still do not have a will," adds Richard.

"I would hate to think by not having a will I could cause a dreadful and costly family rift, or worse, leave someone out unintentionally," says Scarborough resident Jenny Jones.

When asked; "Is there any reason why you have not made a will?" 55% of people said they "haven't got round to it."

"Procrastination and the unwillingness to accept death as part of life may be a reason for not having a will," adds Richard.

"It is something I know I should do, but keep putting it off. I know it's important but I guess I just don't like to think about it," says resident Jenny.

Tracey Martin, another Partner at the firm adds: "Cutting someone out of a will, albeit unintentionally, is one of the most devastating things you can do. We hope the results of the survey will highlight the need for North Yorkshire residents to make a will or revisit an existing will."

Source:

₁http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/where-theres-a-will-family-feuds-lead-to-700-increase-in-high-court-disputes-in-five-years-8475962.html

Photo: North Yorkshire Law's Richard Boyd says it's surprising that so many people in the area still don't have a will.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

North Yorkshire Law was formed in 2000 with the amalgamation of several local firms including: Marshall Edwards Boyd & Tubbs, Buchannan & White, Pearson & Whitfield, George Cass Rylands, Drabble & Co, Pearson Till and Michael Carter. Its highly trained, professional team are committed to providing a fast and effective service, and give advice and assistance on all probate, conveyancing and civil litigation matters. North Yorkshire Law provides Drop-In Hours at its offices in Scarborough and Whitby offering free 15 minute appointments for litigation and family matters. www.northyorkshirelaw.com