Surge in wills may lead to even more unexpected executors

05 August 2020

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  • Co-op is urging people putting wills in place to speak to their chosen executors
  • Advice comes as will enquiries have surged 69% in recent months*
  • Three quarters of UK adults (74%) still haven’t discussed their wishes with loved ones

Co-op Legal Services is urging people putting wills in place amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, to speak to their chosen executors, to avoid confusion later down the line.

Co-op reported will enquiries surged by over two-thirds (69%) * from 23rd March, the day the UK went into lockdown, until the end of June, which the Co-op’s Head of Wills believes was partially connected to people having more time on their hands whilst abiding to government measures.

However, legal experts at the Co-op are concerned that many of these people may not have had conversations with their chosen executors about the role they expect them to play and are therefore urging people to take this time to have those conversations.

Research conducted by the Co-op** since lockdown measures have eased, shows that despite the increase in will enquiries, three quarters (74%) of UK adults still haven’t had conversations with loved ones about their wishes and just under a third weren’t aware of the responsibilities of being an executor (29%).

Highlighting the impact that not having conversations with chosen executors can have, almost a quarter (24%) of UK adults have taken on the role of executor and of those who have, over a quarter (26%) found the role stressful. A sixth (16%) found the experience upsetting and a fifth (21%) had to take time off work to carry out the role.

On the flip side, of the UK adults who were spoken to about their loved one’s intention to make them executor, over two-thirds (65%) were happy that the conversation took place and a third (33%) said they are clearer on what the role entails.

James Antoniou, Head of Wills for Co-op commented: “Whilst it’s encouraging that so many people have used the lockdown period to put wills in place, it’s important to ensure the right conversations have taken place with their chosen executors to check they’re happy to take on the role and that they understand the responsibility and what’s expected of them.

“Most UK adults want to depend on friends and family to take up the role of executor, so it’s vital that people understand their options and that the role is properly explained.”

James Antoniou’s tips on how to choose an executor:

  1. Understand the duties of being Executor and what’s involved
  2. Only appoint somebody you trust and who is willing to give up their time to do the role
  3. Make sure the Executors you choose get on and are able to work together
  4. Talk to Your Chosen Executors before finalising your Will
  5. If you want peace of mind that your Executors are impartial, and your estate is administered correctly, consider appointing a professional executor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

*Business data from Co-op Legal Services, number of will enquiries from March 23rd – 16th June 2020 vs the 3 months prior.

**Research was conducted among 2,000 UK adults with YouGov July 2020

For further information contact:

Emily Penkett | Emily.Penkett@coop.co.uk | 07738 621 201

Maya Powell | Maya.Powell@coop.co.uk | 07773 096 851

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CoopUKpress

Co-op Legal Services became the first alternative business structure (ABS) in the UK in 2012 and has long been established as a market leader in Probate and estate administration and as one of the leading Will writing businesses in the UK. In April 2018, Co-op acquired Simplify Probate, the UK’s second largest provider of probate, cementing the Co-op’s position as the leading provider of probate in the UK. Simplify Probate, which is part of the Simplify Group of companies, has been a specialist provider of probate and estate administration for more than 25 years and also runs an established Bereavement Advice Centre which provides access to practical bereavement advice online and by telephone. Co-op Legal Services is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

You can also find our report, that explores the state of the nation’s life planning pre-covid, here.