Millions of people are putting their loved ones at risk of missing out on money, property and personal possessions by not making a Will, a consumer group has warned.

A recent survey, commissioned by the National Consumer Council (NCC), reveals that more than four out of five cohabiting couples (83 per cent) have not made a Will, along with 79 per cent of households with dependant children.

The NCC warns that parents are "gambling" with their children's future by not making a Will and are causing future problems for their loved ones, including family feuds and leaving relatives short of their inheritance.

The main reason people gave for failing to make a Will was apathy.

Philippa Pearson, solicitor with lawyers Norris and Miles, says: "Everyone over 18 should make a Will so they can control what happens to their property if they die. If you haven't made a Will, it can cause big problems for your relatives.

What you own is distributed by law rather than what you would have wanted yourself. That can mean worry and expense for those you leave behind, at a time which is distressing enough for them anyway."

Without a valid Will, a surviving husband or wife may get far less than their spouse would have wanted; and if the couple is unmarried, the surviving partner may get nothing at all and lose their home.

By making a Will, people can determine precisely who will inherit their property and make specific gifts to friends, relatives, loved ones and charities. People can also give clear instructions as to who should look after their children, should there be no surviving parent.

Janine Blair's husband died unexpectedly seven years ago without having made a Will. "It's a tremendous shock. You feel you can't breathe. I had three dependent children and whilst the affairs of my late husband were being sorted out, all our money was frozen. I had to rely on help from friends to get me through. This lasted for a year. Many people won't be as lucky as I was."

The NCC says that a "Wills time-bomb" is looming. "One million people have already fallen through the safety net provided by the inheritance laws, or know someone who has. With family structures changing, government and business must act now before millions must suffer."

According to Philippa Pearson, even those who have made a Will should still get the document updated every five years to make sure that the beneficiaries are still alive and are living at the same address. Wills should also be updated when people's circumstances change; for example, when people marry or divorce, or when relatives die.


Five reasons why you should make a Will

1. If you die without making a Will, the assets you have built up during your lifetime may go to the taxman and the state. If you're married, your surviving spouse might get much less than you would have wanted them to. It could mean that your spouse may have to negotiate with relatives, and pay them thousands of pounds, just to stay in their own home!
   
   
2. If you're not married, but are living with someone, then your surviving partner may get nothing. They could lose their home.
   
   
3. If you're unmarried and have children, your children may be looked after by someone you may not have chosen.
   
   
4. Your bereaved spouse and children will be subjected to additional and unnecessary strain and stress at a very difficult time. Discussions over 'who gets what' can disrupt family relationships.
   
   
5. By making a Will, you can give specific gifts to friends, relatives, loved ones and charities.
   
   

Further information
Save solicitors' costs by drawing up your own Will using Lawpack's DIY 'Last Will & Testament Kit'
Why should I make a Will?
Leaving your possessions in your Will