Intestacy threatens 30m UK adults

Intestacy is common to 30 million adults in the UK, meaning almost one-in-two currently have no control over estate probate in the event of their death.

Unbiased.co.uk revealed its findings today (October 25th), with the number of those failing to make a will rising by two million since last year alone.

Dying intestate removes people's ability to decide on the division of their assets, meaning special gifts or specific endowments will be ignored in favour of general laws governing personal property.

A significant 70 per cent of individuals with children under the age of 18 have not yet drawn up a testament, meaning their offspring would only be entitled to an inheritance if there is no surviving spouse, or if their estate is worth more than £250,000.

Older individuals are more likely to make a will, but 36 per cent of over-55s have not yet done so, while 67 per cent of 35-54 year olds currently risk intestacy.

The professional advice website reveals wills and probate is Britain's the top legal guidance need, with employment law and conveyancing also in the top five.