Brits express interest in video wills

Hodge Jones & Allen
08/02/10

A growing number of people are expressing an interest in creating a video will, new research has revealed.

The organisation Remember a Charity carried out a study and discovered that 63 per cent of respondents would be interested in putting their last will and testament onto film so that their loved ones can hear and see them explain their decisions regarding inheritance.

Some 70 per cent said they believed this would help to reduce possible conflicts that could arise over the legacy and 62 per cent thought their family would be reassured by the videoed message.

Stephen George, chair of Remember a Charity, commented: "This research highlights a growing desire to leave personal messages for loved ones to support legally binding wills."

However, it is still important to get in touch with a qualified solicitor in order to get a will drawn up, as Rita Leat from the Fellowship of Professional Willwriters and Probate Practitioners warned last month.

"Unfortunately there are too many cases in which people are victims of rogue willwriters," the expert pointed out.

Britons have also been advised against penning - or taping, in this case - their own will, as it is more likely to be erroneous than one drafted by a professional.

Sarah Cooper, a specialist wills and probate solicitor and head of the private client team at Hodge Jones & Allen, said: "It is vitally important that everyone makes a will as it is the only way to ensure that your wishes are complied with.

"At Hodge Jones & Allen our specialist team provides a cost-effective will preparation service tailor-made to your needs. Our team prides itself on a professional, high quality service."