We must plan the end, says probate solicitor Gaynor Lanceley, at Morecrofts

THIS week, it has been statistically proven that too many people are failing to organise details about what should happen if they die.

In a survey by the Dying Matters Coalition, a staggering 60% of adults, including a quarter of over-65s, have not written their will; 81% have not even written what preferences they have about the end of their lives.

This means solicitors need to ensure they are constantly making their clients aware of what they can do in such situations and promote the services they provide.

Ways of doing this include taking part in awareness weeks such as the one that has been taking part over the last seven days for the Dying Matters scheme.

Calendar days like this give solicitors the opportunity to encourage people to talk about death with friends and family, and to prompt many to have what has been described as “an organised death”.

Failure to do so, including failing to write down or plan aspects of death, can lead to people's wishes not being fulfilled and even add to the fear of dying.

Many of my clients and their families are relieved and feel supported knowing their legal queries or concerns can be answered by a call or meeting. This saves a great deal of distress and uncertainty at an exceptionally difficult time.

That’s why the legal profession needs to make sure death doesn’t remain such a taboo subject.