25/05/2026
A really powerful discussion recently featured on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme, highlighting something we see far too often — families simply not having conversations about what happens when someone dies.
The programme explored new research from STEP (The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), which found:
• 80% of adults have not told their loved ones their wishes
• Around 35% do not have a Will at all
• Nearly half of estate professionals are seeing an increase in disputes within blended families following a death
One story shared during the programme centred around a husband and father who very nearly lost his life in a devastating car accident. Thankfully he survived, but the experience became a huge wake-up call for the family around the importance of estate planning, updating their Will and having open conversations.
One line from the interview particularly stood out:
“The main thing is don’t do nothing.”
At Morecambe Bay Wills, we completely understand that conversations around death, Wills and Powers of Attorney can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. But very often, putting plans in place is not really about paperwork — it is about protecting the people you love from additional stress, uncertainty and conflict later on.
And importantly, estate planning is not just for the wealthy.
If you own a home, have children, savings, pensions, business interests or simply want your wishes respected, these are things worth thinking about.
The programme also touched on something very important — life changes.
Relationships change, children grow up, families blend, people remarry, circumstances evolve. A Will should not simply be written and forgotten about forever.
Sometimes the hardest part is simply starting the conversation.
Source: BBC Radio 4 – Money Box Programme
