A shocking new survey reveals 8 out of 10 people in the North West don’t have a Will.
This could lead to heartache, family feuds, and extra expensive legal bills in the exclusive poll, carried out for the North West Air Ambulance.
The survey of almost 4000 people also uncovered that 81.5% of people in the region that do have a Will have NOT even told their partner or family where they’ve put it, which could thwart the last wishes of a loved one being carried out.
Not having a Will and dying ‘intestate could mean;
• In the case of unmarried couples, where neither has made a Will, the family of the partner who dies will receive their estate and can refuse to let the surviving partner take any part, even in funeral arrangements.
• Cohabitees are not automatically entitled to their partner’s Estate, no matter how long they have been together.
• Even homemade Wills can prove to be a disaster.
The North West Air Ambulance Charity Chief Executive Lynda Brislin has bitter experience of a loved one not leaving a Will.
Lynda’s mother died 10 months ago without a Will, which has caused massive problems. She said, “My mum not leaving a Will has brought heartache, hassle and hundreds of pounds of legal fees to me and my family. Ten months on, and the situation is still not resolved. Loved ones can say they are leaving various things to you when they’re alive, but if they die intestate, it’s impossible to prove and the whole matter has been extremely distressing."
I would urge people to make the most of Will Week, and also give serious consideration to leaving a financial gift in their Will to our charity.”
From 21st to 25th of September, the North West Air Ambulance is holding its first ‘Will Week.’ During that time, the Charity’s participating solicitors are giving their time free of charge and instead of paying the solicitor’s fees for a standard Will, you will be invited to give a donation to the North West Air Ambulance of the amount that you would have paid the solicitor.
The survey carried out by OnePoll reveals that just 40% of people living in the north west, that have a Will, have shown it to someone in the legal profession to check for vital mistakes which could prove costly.
And under half of those people interviewed would consider leaving money to a Charity in the event of their death.
To view of list of Solictors taking part please click here
To download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat reader, please click here
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