A growing inheritance crisis is emerging across the UK, with people in their 40s and 50s – the very stage of life when legal planning matters most, being among the least likely to have a will in place, according to new research released today.
The research, which was commissioned by The Association of Lifetime Lawyers – the UK’s leading body for expert lawyers who support older people and those in vulnerable circumstances, reveals that nearly three in five people aged 45–54 do not have a will at all, compared to 48% of UK adults aged 30+ overall.
Alarmingly, this is the life stage when people are most likely to have dependant children, property, blended families and complex financial responsibilities, yet many are failing to put even the most basic legal protections in place.
Without a will, families are left exposed to uncertainty, disagreement and, increasingly, formal legal disputes after death.
The research also reveals:
- More than half (56%) say cost influences their decision to write or update a will, despite knowing a valid will can prevent significant stress, legal costs and family conflict later[1]
- Nearly half (48%) worry an outdated or missing will could cause arguments or disputes among their family[2]
- More than 1 in 4 (26%) would consider challenging a will or inheritance they felt was unfair or did not reflect the deceased’s intentions
These risks are being compounded by today’s pressures: rising living costs, adult children remaining in the family home, blended families, and unequal financial circumstances between siblings. When someone dies without an up‑to‑date will, families often discover that there is no legally recognised record of the person’s wishes.
Alongside consumer concerns, additional findings from a study** among over 115 Accredited Lifetime Lawyers suggest the problem is already playing out in practice. A significant proportion of Lifetime Lawyers (78%) report seeing an increase in contested estates over the past five years, with many disputes driven by unequal distribution between children, blended families’ dynamics, DIY poorly drafted wills or no will at all. Notwithstanding this, the majority (91%) state their clients are generally surprised by the legal consequences of an outdated or missing will.
Emma Bryson, Board Director at The Association of Lifetime Lawyers and a Senior Associate in Michelmores Disputed Wills, Trusts & Estates team, said: “Modern families are changing fast, but the legal documents meant to protect them aren’t always kept up to date. People often assume everything will be obvious to their loved ones, but that’s rarely true. The reality is, without a will, or – even with one that’s out of date – confusion and uncertainty about someone’s wishes can quickly turn into painful inheritance disputes.”
Modern family life has changed dramatically, yet many people’s wishes for the future are never clearly recorded at all – particularly among couples who are not married or not in a civil partnership, and who often assume their partner will automatically be protected.
The research also highlights a widespread lack of action driven not by complexity, but complacency:
- Nearly six in ten (59%) of 30–34 year olds without a will say this is simply because they’ve “never really thought about it”
- The same reason is also cited by 44% of those aged 35–44, 44% of 45–54 year olds, and two in five (40%) people aged 55+
For unmarried couples in particular, this lack of planning can have serious consequences. Unlike married spouses or civil partners, cohabiting couples have no automatic inheritance rights to their partner’s estate meaning the long-term partner of a deceased who didn’t have a will, might be forced to leave or sell their home, or bring a claim against the estate.
Without clear, legally documented wishes, families and partners are left vulnerable to uncertainty, conflict and costly legal action – often discovering too late that assumptions offer no protection under the law.
Emma Bryson, added: “This is not just a legal issue, it’s a family one. When intentions and legal documents don’t align, loved ones are left dealing with uncertainty, resentment and, increasingly, court action. Regular will reviews aren’t a luxury; they’re an essential part of protecting the people you care about.”
The Association of Lifetime Lawyers is urging people – particularly those in midlife – to make a will. And for those with one, to review it following major life changes such as divorce, new relationships, having children, changes in finances or living arrangements.
Accredited Lifetime Lawyers specialise in later life and estate planning, helping families put clear, legally robust arrangements in place that reflect real lives, and prevent avoidable disputes before they arise. Find a local Lifetime Lawyer near you here: www.lifetimelawyers.org.uk.
