Only a third of people living in Ireland have made a will, according to new research carried out for MyLegacy. The Irish charities group is highlighting the issue in the run up to the ‘Best Will in the World Week’.
The research, carried out by Amarach Research, also reveals that 51% of 45 – 64 year olds have a will, rising to 82% in the over 65’s. It appears that 44% of people who do not yet have a will plan to make one in the next five years, and this increases to 68% of 45 – 64 year olds who have not yet made a will.
Only 30% of those in lower socio-economic groups have made a will, while 37% of those in more advantaged groups have done so.
“Not having a will can have serious consequences for your family after you are gone. In the absence of a will, there can be bitter legal disputes and the possibility of the state having to make decisions regarding the distribution of your property and assets and we all want to avoid that,” said Susan O’Dwyer, Chairperson, MyLegacy and CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation.
MyLegacy has organised the ‘Best Will in the World Week’, which takes place in Ireland from Monday 22nd – Friday 26th October, in order to tackle the problem and to encourage people to leave a gift to charity.
In Scotland a charitable initiative called Will Aid will soon be underway. The campaign sees local solicitors offering to write Wills during November without charging their normal fee. All that they ask in return is that clients consider making a donation to Will Aid.