“Is there a will or a way?”
On Monday October 9, the Law Commission of England & Wales is visiting Bangor University to consult the public of North Wales on how best it should propose to reform the law on making a will.
Welcoming the visit of the Law Commission to Bangor to seek the public’s views, Professor Dermot Cahill, Head of Bangor Law School, commented that:
“40% of people die without making a will – why? Some are afraid of making a mistake in case that would render the will invalid. Others may find it difficult to make the kinds of important decisions that making a will requires? Or perhaps they may have mental health challenges, or visual impairment or some kind of other personal reason?”
“The Wills Act, which dates back to 1837 needs to be brought into the modern era. It was enacted in an era when women didn’t have the vote, nor own property in many circumstances. Now the question arises, isn’t pen & paper “past it” when it comes to making a will? In this digital era, should we not be able to make wills electronically, say on our mobile phones or tablets? You can get married at 16 but you can’t make a will at that age, isn’t this out of touch?” asks Professor Cahill.
These are just some of the issues the Commission wants to hear from the public on when it visits Bangor on October 9th next. The Commission wants to hear from a wide range of the public, including vulnerable groups, like the elderly; those with visual or aural impairments; and other vulnerable groups who find making a will difficult.
Now is the opportunity to let the Commission hear your views, come along to Bangor University at 5pm on Monday October 9, preregistration is essential so please contact Becky.Jones@bangor.ac.uk or on 01248 382907 to reserve your place.
Publication date: 28 September 2017