1 in 7 people die without writing a will
(Source: thisismoney.co.uk - http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/tax/article.html?in_article_id=521182&in_page_id=11)
Nearly two thirds of Britons do not have a valid will, according to research by financial advice service unbiased.co.uk, even though this risks inflicting great emotional and financial pain to their loved ones.
Writing a will is something that many put off due to the legal jargon, family pressures or simply the morbidity of the subject matter.
However, a new programme TV show aims help the families tackle their will phobia. 'Can't Take It With You', to be aired on BBC2 on Friday nights, is hoping to tackle the so-called 'boring' topic of wills and make this important issue more accessible.
Based over six episodes, Sir Gerry Robinson, the business guru who starred in 'Can Gerry Robinson Fix the NHS?' and 'I'll show them who's Boss', and probate expert Sue Medder from international law firm Withers, will help a variety of families with differing problems.
Every episode is based on a single theme, helping two families who do not have a will solve similar dilemmas. At the end of each programme, each family signs a legally binding will drafted to meet their needs and answer their concerns.
Tonight's debut episode features the theme of charity. The experts help families torn on how to divide an inheritance between the kids and charity.
Sir Gerry Robinson, spoke to This is Money on why he got involved in the project. He said: 'I first became involved with wills because, in looking at family businesses for "I'll show them who's Boss", I found that many problems surrounded the issue of how best to pass on the business to the next generation.
'When I discovered that over 70% of people failed to make a will, I investigated further.
'Most people will have to deal with a will at some point in their lives, so it seemed like a worthwhile subject to tackle.
'I don't think that most people had a problem understanding wills and how they worked in principle. They were however quite nervous of them.
'The biggest problem for many was the issue of having to face the emotional risks involved in the making of one. There is a stark finality about a will because, not only does it sharpen the inevitability of your own death, but it forces you to firm up on issues that many would prefer to keep vague.
'It is however, vital to write a will and to get it right because a lot of unnecessary hurt can be caused to those you love and care about if you don't. If there are inequities, real or perceived, then at least you should be alive and able to explain them to those involved.'
