Coronavirus pandemic a driving force behind young people making wills

Almost a third of young adults who have made a will did so because of the coronavirus pandemic, research by charity campaign Will Aid has found.

A poll of more than 2,500 UK adults found 31% of those in the 18-24 bracket who made a will did so because of the pandemic, the second most popular reason behind advice from a loved one.

No other age bracket recorded a number close to that, with just 8% of adults overall citing the pandemic as the motivation behind making a will.

The research was carried out by annual charity campaign Will Aid, which sees participating solicitors across the UK waive their fees for writing wills every November and instead invites clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid.

Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid campaign director, said: 'The pandemic showed us all the fragility of life and it is no surprise it motivated so many people to get a professionally-written will.

'While death is an inevitability people like to avoid thinking about – especially among younger adults – making a will remains no less important today as it did during the height of the pandemic.

'Having a will is the best way to guarantee your wishes are met after death, and I would implore adults of any age to consider making one.”

The most popular reason behind making a will across all age groups was having children, motivating 36% of adults nationwide to express their wishes in writing.

Those who make their will through a Will Aid solicitor are invited to make a donation of £120 to the campaign for a basic will, or £200 for a pair of mirror wills.

The campaign has so far raised more than £22 million for charity since its launch in 1988. 

Will Aid’s nine partner charities are facing increased demand for their services this year, with the cost-of-living crisis and the war in Ukraine stretching resources already limited by the pandemic.

Peter added: 'Our partner charities are facing a busy and turbulent period both here in the UK and around the world as the cost-of-living crisis continues to worsen.

'Will Aid is the perfect time to get your affairs in order while supporting our partner charities’ amazing work. We are expecting a very busy year, so book now to avoid disappointment.”

To find a participating solicitor, visit www.willaid.org.uk.