Make your choices count and plan for the future

Our wills, trusts & probate team is supporting the Ministry of Justice which has launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of planning for the future.

A 2014 survey prepared by Investec Wealth and Investment found that almost two thirds of UK adults don’t have a will and of those that do, almost a third are out of date as they have not been revised to take into account major life changes including marriage, children and divorce.

One of our wills, probate & trusts solicitors commented:

 “Too often we hear of the complications caused to families of those who have died without a will, or the many challenges people have had to face when trying to manage someone’s affairs when they have lost mental capacity.”

“The ‘Choice Not Chance’ campaign encourages people to think and talk about planning for their future and to make a will and set up a lasting power of attorney to ensure their choices count and their wishes are not left to chance.”

Although the campaign seeks to encourage all members of the public to actively get involved and make their choices count, it is specifically aimed at those aged between 25-50 years of age as research suggests that people within this age range are less inclined to think about planning for the future and what the consequences might be should the unexpected happen.

Lord Faulks QC, Minister of State for Civil Justice and Legal Policy said:

“I welcome this campaign to raise awareness of will writing and LPA. These legal instruments are crucial tools in planning for one’s future. I hope that people will take the time to sit with their loved ones, discuss their choices and make sure that things are not left to chance. Dying without a will can leave one’s family with lengthy and costly court procedures. I hope people will consider their loved ones in life and death, ensuring that all the appropriate arrangements are in place.”