Will beneficiary awareness "low" for many Britons

Will beneficiary awareness may be low for many individuals, as a new survey has uncovered poor comprehension of testament and probate law, especially among younger generations.

A study carried out by the charity Will Aid revealed 56 per cent wrongly believe a person's partner automatically inherits their assets upon their death, or admitted they were unaware of the protocol.

This suggests many Britons assume they are a will beneficiary, when in fact this may not be true.

Lots of confusion surrounded the care of dependent children as well, with up to 72 per cent of people wrongly thinking responsibility would automatically pass to a partner when a parent dies.

Seeking free will-writing advice might help Britons gain a greater understanding of testaments, without which they would have no control over the division of their assets or care of dependent family members after their death.

Nine of the UK's biggest charities are supported by Will Aid, including the British Red Cross, Christian Aid and Trocaire.