Don't leave your family in turmoil

More than 55% of people living in south west England risk leaving families in turmoil when they die or become seriously ill because they have no will or have not discussed their end of life wishes.

Research by the Dying Matters Coalition, conducted to coincide with Dying Matters Awareness Week, which ends today (Sunday) shows millions could leave their family affairs in tatters and pile extra stress on their relatives if they die or become seriously ill.

This week is also Dementia Awareness Week, and legal experts and the Law Society are reminding people of the importance of getting their family affairs in order sooner rather than later.

Responding to the Dying Matters Coalition's research, Jane Whitfield, solicitor and chair of the Law Society's Wills and Equity Committee said research repeatedly found a significant portion of the population had no will in place.

She added it was likely a similar number had not considered lasting power of attorney.

"This is disheartening, the consequences of not having a will or having granted power of attorney can be hideous, both in terms of stress on your relatives and financially," she said.

"It's a sensitive subject to talk about. But acting now will help relieve a massive amount of stress later. It could be the difference in paying a few hundreds pounds now, or a few thousand in the future."

The Dying Matters Coalition research, by ComRes, found:

45% of people in south west England say they've written a will, 11% say they've written down their wishes or preferences about their future care, should they be unable to make decisions for themselves.

21% say they've asked a family member about their end of life wishes.

77% agree it would be easier to have end of life wishes met if people were more comfortable discussing dying

Andrew Caplen, President of the Law Society said: "Dying Matters week helps people talk more openly about dying and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.

"Using a solicitor to write a will can save a lot of heartache, as dying without one can leave your family with a nightmare, as they struggle to sort out your affairs.

"Speaking to a solicitor early to organise lasting power of attorney means those living with dementia can be assured when they need it, the person they've chosen can look after their affairs. It's important to use a solicitor as they'll make sure the arrangements are legally watertight.

"Solicitors are insured, so if something goes wrong, it can be redressed. You can search the Law Society's Find a Solicitor website for details of solicitors in your area. Some have accreditation with the Law Society's Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme, a voluntary quality mark recognising technical expertise and client service in providing wills and probate advice."

Claire Henry, Chief Executive of the Dying Matters Coalition said:

"We need to change the nation's approach to dying, so that all of us become better at making our end of life wishes known and asking our loved ones about theirs.

"Talking more openly about dying and planning ahead, including through making and registering a lasting power of attorney and by writing a will can help us to get our wishes met and spare our loved ones from dealing with the fallout if we haven't got our affairs in order."

George McNamara, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer's Society, said: "As memories begin to fade it becomes increasingly more difficult for family members to know the end of life wishes of a person with dementia.

"That's why is it essential to have conversations early and put appropriate plans such as a will and lasting power of attorney in place.

"The Alzheimer's Society campaigns for people to continue to feel confident and empowered to exercise their rights and wishes. We have more information on legal and financial matters on our website and also have a helpline for enquiries."

People wishing to discuss wills and power of attorney can use the online Find a Solicitor tool to search for lawyers by location and area of specialty. The tool allows people to search a database of 140,000 solicitors.

The tool can be found by clicking here or visiting: http://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/

To participate in the conversation about Dying Matters Week or Dementia Awareness Week on Twitter, use #YoDo and #DAW2015.