Will Aid campaign runs for the month of November when solicitors will donate their time
A poll carried out by will-writing campaign Will Aid found that nearly half the people in East Anglia do not have a will, so their loved ones are not protected in the event of their death.
Although statistics for East Anglia are better than the national picture, which shows 56 per cent of the population do not have a will, Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director for Will Aid said it was still vital that those without one considered the benefits of getting their affairs in order.
He said: “It can be very difficult for some people to have conversations about death and dying but with this comes a sense of peace because you are making important decisions that can protect your loved ones when you die.
“The last year has shown us how fragile life can be and the survey has revealed just how much of an impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the mindset of people. We have all had to learn lessons about how to protect ourselves better – with handwashing, mask-wearing and social distancing. A will is just an extension to this."
The study showed that coronavirus had prompted more than 55% of Britons to confront the inevitability of death and think about ways to protect their loved ones after they are gone by either writing a will or reviewing their existing will.
Mr de Vena Franks said: “Will Aid provides the perfect opportunity for people to get their paperwork in order. Not only does it bring peace of mind, it also directly helps to fund the life-saving work of nine of the UK’s best-loved charities.”
Will Aid runs for the month of November. Solicitors volunteer their time to charity to write wills for members of the public. Instead of paying the usual fee for the will, the recipient is asked to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid.
The suggested voluntary donation for a basic Will Aid will is £100 for a single will and £180 for a pair of mirror wills.
According to the research, more than half of all parents with children under the age of 18 also have no will which means, in the event of their death, a court would make decisions on the guardianship of their children.
Those who wish to book an appointment with a solicitor to make a will in November can do so from September onwards via the website www.willaid.co.uk or by calling 0300 0309 558.