Nearly half (44 percent) of over 50s have changed their will up to four times, a YouGov survey, commissioned by law firm Winckworth Sherwood, revealed.

Usually people change their will around life changing events, such as marriage, childbirth or divorce.

Despite this, the survey found that 26 percent of over 50s don’t have a will at all, which means their assets will pass under intestacy rules. This could lead to legal claims and even assets being left to the State.

Tim Snaith, partner at Winckworth Sherwood, commented: “There’s a long-standing taboo around the subject of death, and many prefer to ignore...