Each year, as many as 10,000 people in England and Wales are disputing over wills. These numbers reflect rising fraud attempts, conflicts between grieving families and the legal sector adapting to modern risks. Free Wills Month runs every March and October to encourage estate planning for people without wills or those who need to update one. As a result, to help reduce the rise in will‑related disputes.
The growing problem with contested wills
In recent years, the UK has seen an increase in challenges to wills. Court cases involving disputed wills increased by 5% between 2023 and 2024, adding to a 34% surge over the last five years. While disagreements over inheritance have always existed, disputes can be very complex and emotional for grieving families.
What’s behind these disputes
Complexity of modern families: More people now belong to blended families, including second marriages and stepchildren. Without a will, estates are distributed under the rules of intestacy, which prioritise biological relatives and may overlook important personal relationships.
Mental capacity: Challenges can arise when the validity of the will is questioned, particularly if the person who made the will was vulnerable or may have been influenced to change it.
Organised fake wills: Cases involving alleged forged wills or fabricated marriage certificates are uncommon. While there can be different reasons why, some individuals may redirect an estate for their own personal benefit. These situations can cause significant emotional distress for families who are already coping with loss.
Why writing a will matters
Clear documentation of your final wishes including the distribution of your assets and estate is the best solution in preventing disputes and frauds. A professional drafted will helps:
- Create reliable records of your relationships
- Your estate planning wishes
- Safeguards your assets
- Prevents uncertainty with family and friends
March is Free Wills Month
Every March and October, the UK’s Free Wills Month campaign offers individuals aged 55 and over the chance to have a will written or updated for free by participating solicitors.
Many people delay making a will because of demanding schedules or concerned about the costs of having one professionally drafted. For more information, read more on the Free Wills Month website.
Conclusion
Free Will Month is a reminder of the importance of estate planning. Courts act decisively to uphold the wishes of the deceased and protect beneficiaries. However, creating a professional will sets out clear wishes to avoid any problems arising.
March’s Free Will Month begins 2nd March. It’s the ideal time to act. Many people fail to create a will which creates uncertainty with family and friends. If you are unsure whether your relative passed away intestate or if a will exists, we’re here to help. For more information, please read our previous articles or contact us directly with your enquiries.
