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Two-thirds of UK adults have not named a guardian for their children
Almost two-thirds of UK parents have not named guardians for their children in the event of their death, statistics have revealed.
New research by charity will-writing campaign Will Aid found 65% of parents have not named a guardian for their children aged under 18, creating uncertainty over who would look after them if they died.
Legal guardians should be appointed in a person’s will – and in cases where one is not chosen, courts often appoint a guardian on behalf of the deceased. This could see someone’s preferred choice not be appointed. The survey also found more than half of UK adults (54%) have not made a will.
Will Aid runs every November and sees participating solicitors waive their fees for writing basic wills in return for an upfront donation to Will Aid.
The suggested donation for a single will is £100, or £180 for a pair of mirror wills.
Donations are then shared between the nine partner charities, many of which are responding to the cost of living crisis and war in Ukraine.
The campaign has raised more than £22million for charity since its inception in 1988.
Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid campaign director, said: “Thinking about death is never a nice experience, but it is so important when considering who will look after your children should the unfortunate happen.
“Courts work hard to do what is best for your children under such difficult circumstances, but they could have a different view of what is best than you.
“Therefore, the best way to ensure your children are looked after in the way you would like is to name a guardian in your will.”
Kevin Logan, legacy and tribute fundraiser at partner charity the NSPCC, said: “It is so important to name a guardian for your children in your will as it ensures your children are looked after by those you trust the most.
“When doing so, it is important to consider who is best-suited to provide your children with the best possible care and how they will give the love, nurture and support every child deserves. “You can also become a guardian for the next generation by leaving a gift in your will, helping charities like us and the other eight partner charities to continue our vital services.”
Peter added: “This is a very stressful time for households across the UK, but thankfully participating Will Aid solicitors are here to take away the stress of will-writing throughout November.
“This is the perfect time to get your affairs in order and support some fantastic charities. To anyone who is yet to make a will – all I have to say is ‘why not now?’”
For more information and to find a Will Aid solicitor, visit www. willaid.org.uk.
