Thou know’st ‘tis common; all that lives must die,
Passing through nature to eternity
(Hamlet, Act 1, Scene II, Line 73, William Shakespeare)
It’s Shakespeare Week this week and looking through the many Shakespeare texts on the internet I came across the above quote – We all know that one of the most certain things in life in death. Despite this being common knowledge so many people do not have a Will.
A survey conducted by unbiased.co.uk and Certainty, the National Will Register, showed that 58% of the adult population does not have a Will. More worryingly, the survey showed that the number of 35-54 year olds without a will has risen from previous years.
So why do so many people not have Wills? The survey cited the following reasons – people put it off until they are older, people don’t think about making a will, and the cost. In the context of Shakespeare’s quote the first two reasons are the most worrying in that despite we all knowing that we will die the majority appear to presume that death is reserved for the elderly. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
So when should you consider making a Will? This is a non-exhaustive list but you should always make a Will where you have assets to give away on death and where you have children who you wish to appoint someone to look after them after your death.
Please contact Samantha Downs on 0116 2628596 who will be happy to discuss with you the making of your Will.