Most UK adults don’t have a Will

We all know how important it is to consolidate final wishes.

As the only formal way to ensure your estate is distributed in line with one’s wishes, a Will is a vital part of later life planning – both for an individual and for their loved ones.

In light of this, it seems strange that 60%, the majority in other words, of UK adults still haven’t made a Will.

According to the research from Unbiased.co.uk, a fifth of this proportion felt they didn’t have sufficient assets to make a Will worthwhile, whilst just over a quarter (26%) stated that they planned to make one later in life. Alarmingly, some said that the need to make a Will hadn’t even occurred to them, whilst others said they wouldn’t know where to start.

Considering that a Will is one of the most important documents someone will ever make, it’s concerning that the prospect of having one drafted hasn’t even crossed some people’s minds, let alone knowing how to have one drafted.

The key issue here is awareness; or rather, the lack of it.

Whilst most people tend to know the purpose of a Will, the majority probably won’t know the consequences of not having one. The general assumption is that property, assets and finances will naturally fall to those closest to the individual, an expectation which as we all know can be far from the realities of intestacy.

So how can you ensure that prospective clients are aware of these consequences?

The best way to boost awareness is – in simple terms – to engage with your audience. There’s a range of ways to do this, and whilst none is necessarily more effective than another, the best thing to do is adopt a multi-faceted approach. By educating prospective clients through traditional methods as well using fresh digital means, you’re able to engage with a whole new audience that you previously would never have reached.

Of course, once you’ve caught the attention of your prospective client base, you want to ensure they opt for your services over those of a competitor.

Newly aware of the importance of a Will, clients will be in search of quality and trust. Although you know about the high standard of services you provide, clients don’t. That’s why it’s important to communicate this in as many ways as possible.

The Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) is a recognised and exclusive body which has been the natural home for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in the Wills, Estate Planning and Inheritance market.

Becoming a member of the IPW indicates that your skills have reached a high standard, building both reputation and the number of clients interested in your services.

Whether you’re an established Willwriter or just starting out, IPW membership can help ensure that your practice stands out. Find out how you can become a member by clicking here.

This article was submitted to be published by the Institute of Professional Willwriters as part of their advertising agreement with the Institute of Professional Willwriters. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Wills and Probate.