One in ten Britons will face inheritance disputes as estate planning gaps widen

The warning arrives after it was revealed probate litigation has surged by 37 per cent compared with twelve months ago, according to newly released data.

Inheritance planning professionals describe the situation as increasingly concerning, especially given that around one in ten Britons will become embroiled in will disputes.

The awareness week aims to encourage families to establish proper estate arrangements before circumstances prevent them from expressing their wishes.

Research from probate lending specialists Level Group reveals that more than 29 million British adults anticipate receiving money from relatives within the coming two decades.

The findings demonstrate that around 18.4 million people across the UK rely financially on future inheritances to varying degrees, representing roughly one-third of all adults.

Most concerning is that 27 per cent of those depending on inheritances face potential financial crisis without them, equating to around five million individuals who could accumulate debt if expected legacies fail to materialise.

When individuals pass away without creating a will, their estates become subject to intestacy regulations, meaning legal frameworks determine asset distribution rather than personal preferences.

Under these circumstances, the law follows rigid hierarchical rules that may contradict the deceased's actual relationships or intentions.

Unmarried partners face particular vulnerability, receiving nothing under intestacy rules regardless of relationship duration or shared children.

Similarly excluded are stepchildren, close friends and in-laws, despite potentially strong emotional bonds or financial dependencies.

George Williamson, estate planning specialist at Level Group, emphasised that any adult aged 18 or above should consider drafting a will to ensure their wishes are honoured.

The intestacy system's inflexibility often results in assets passing to distant relatives while excluding those who genuinely depended on the deceased.

Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests show probate disputes reaching court have risen by 37 per cent over the past decade when comparing 2023 to 2014 data.

Additionally, cases requiring more than twelve months to resolve have increased dramatically, with a 518 per cent rise recorded between 2019 and 2024.

Experts attribute this trend partly to inadequate estate planning, warning that without proper documentation, these disputes will continue escalating.

George Williamson, chief executive of Level Group, stressed that estate planning remains crucial for ensuring personal wishes are fulfilled while protecting loved ones.

"It is a topic that many put off and avoid, but delaying estate planning can come at a high cost and sometimes it can be too late, leading to probate, family disputes, confusion and assets being divided by law and not the wishes of those who pass," Mr Williamson said.

He urged families to utilise National Estate Planning Week to take control of their futures by establishing wills and implementing strategies to maximise inheritances.

Mr Williamson emphasised that proper planning provides reassurance that both family members and assets receive appropriate protection while helping prevent the legal battles currently affecting increasing numbers of British families.