Most wealth will still be passed on after death, despite inheritance disputes

New research from wealth-management and employee benefits firm Mattioli Woods reveals that that most over-55s continue to favour passing on wealth after death, despite widespread experience of family conflict caused by inheritance.

The findings suggest that witnessing inheritance disputes is not prompting a significant shift towards gifting wealth during people's lifetimes. Passing assets on through an estate remains the preferred approach for most over-55s, while combining lifetime gifts with inheritance is the second most popular strategy. Only a minority intend to transfer most of their wealth before they die.

Despite the importance of inheritance planning, conversations about it remain uncommon. One in four (25 per cent) over-55s say they have never openly discussed inheritance with their family, highlighting ongoing discomfort around the subject, concerns about privacy and a belief among many that it is simply ‘too early’ to have the conversation.

Inheritance also continues to be a major source of family conflict. Over six in 10 (64 per cent) respondents over 55 say they have witnessed disputes among relatives or friends over inheritance, with arguments and damaged relationships by far the most common outcome. Many have also seen more serious disagreements escalate into formal legal disputes.

The experience of inheritance conflict varies across the UK. Wales has the highest proportion of people who have witnessed inheritance-related disputes (77 per cent), followed by London (72 per cent), the southeast of England (71 per cent), the southwest of England (70 per cent) and Scotland (69 per cent). 

The research also found that concerns about later-life care now outweigh worries about inheritance tax (IHT). When asked about the biggest challenges in passing on wealth, over-55s ranked paying for care or other later-life costs ahead of IHT, the risk of running out of money in retirement, treating beneficiaries fairly and the potential for family disputes.

Adeline Christy, wealth management director at Mattioli Woods, said: "Although inheritance disputes are remarkably common, they are not fundamentally changing how most people want to pass on their wealth. Leaving assets through an estate remains the preferred approach for many families, even among those who have seen first-hand the tensions inheritance can create.

"What the findings do highlight is the need for earlier planning and better communication. Many inheritance disputes arise not because of the value of an estate, but because expectations have never been discussed. Open conversations, supported by professional financial advice, can help families understand the reasoning behind decisions and significantly reduce the likelihood of conflict later on."

She added: "There is no single right way to pass on wealth. Lifetime gifting can be an effective strategy for some families, helping to support the next generation while potentially improving tax efficiency.

“For others, retaining control of assets throughout later life will be entirely appropriate. The most important thing is that any approach forms part of a long-term financial plan that reflects personal circumstances, family dynamics and future objectives."

Founded in 1991, Mattioli Woods has more than 30,000 clients and is responsible for assets under management exceeding £32bn.

www.mattioliwoods.com

Pictured: Adeline Christy