Pandemic leads to will writing boom

Monday, 15 March 2021

As we approach the anniversary of the first Lockdown we may have cause to pause and reflect open such an unprecedented and difficult year. A recent survey by a company who prepares Wills in England has, perhaps unsurprisingly, confirmed a significant increase in people making Wills during the pandemic. 

The survey highlights an interesting link between news headlines and surges in people making Wills.  It is reported that 6 April 2020 - the day Boris Johnson was admitted to intensive care- was the day most Wills were made last year.   Other reported spikes in will making during 2020 included:

  • 31 May 2020 – the day before significant lifting of lockdown restrictions, including the Government announcement that people shielding could exercise outside.
  • 30 September 2020 - the day after global deaths from Covid-19 reached 1 million.
  • 30 November 2020 - just before the second national lockdown ended.

The dates with noticeable falls in will making included:

  • 4 July 2020 - pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers reopened in England.
  • 31 July 2020 - hottest day of the year and third hottest on record.
  • 2 December 2020- Pfizer vaccine approved in UK.

It is clear that this difficult year has made people reflect on their own mortality and has underlined the importance of making Wills to ensure their affairs are left in order. This has certainly been reflected in our own experiences here at Stevenson & Marshall where our Lifetime Legal department have been very busy putting in place Wills, Powers of Attorney and other lifetime planning measures for our clients. We have adapted our practices to work within the lockdown restrictions by primarily using video calls to meet with our clients to take their instructions and to witness them signing documents.

At Stevenson Marshall, we have a team of highly experienced Solicitors ready to help you make a Will.  If you would like to discuss Wills or indeed any other aspect of Lifetime Legal planning then please contact one of our Lifetime Legal team on 01383 721141.

Contact Us