Silver separators urged to keep wills up to date

FINDING love in later life can end in tears if it triggers an expensive legal wrangle over your will, writes Harvey Jones.

An elderly coupleGETTY/PIC POSED BY MODELS

Avoid legal headaches by updating your will

As growing numbers of over-50s divorce and remarry, many will find their existing wills are no longer fit for purpose.

They could still have a will leaving possessions to an ex-partner rather than a new one.

According to a new study by legal network QualitySolicitors, this can lead to arguments and legal disputes between partners and children when a will is read.

The research follows a report last week showing that divorce rates among the so-called “silver separators” have leapt by 85 per cent since the year 2000.

But divorce and remarriage are not the only reasons you may need to rewrite your will in later life. Buying or selling a property, receiving a significant inheritance or having new grandchildren may also need to be reflected in your will.

It is concerning to hear that so many over-50s are currently without a valid, up-to-date will

Nia Wharry

One in four over-50s has not updated their will for more than five years and one in 10 has left it untouched for a decade or more. Worryingly, seven out of 10 do not have a valid will at all.

Nia Wharry, of QualitySolicitors member Clarke & Son, said: “Wills are there to bring clarity at a time of sadness and loss. It is concerning to hear that so many over-50s are currently without a valid, up-to-date will.”

Andrew McHale, managing partner of solicitors McHale & Co, is amazed that so many are apathetic about writing a will: “With a good solicitor, the service is actually much cheaper, less hassle and less shrouded in jargon than people think.”

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