October 01, 2026 - 163 views
Parents in Wales are being urged to think about who would care for their children if they died, after research found that just 3% of people surveyed in Wales have formally appointed a legal guardian in their Will.
The findings, commissioned by national charity Will Aid, highlight a gap between parents' views about who they would want to look after their children and whether those wishes have been formally recorded.
Across the UK, just 11% of parents surveyed said they had appointed a legal guardian.
The research found that parents have strong views about who they would not want to care for their children. Almost one in five said they would not want their children to be placed with someone they did not know well, while the same proportion said they would be concerned about someone who was not emotionally ready for the responsibility.
Other concerns included an elderly relative who might struggle physically, someone who was not financially stable, or a person whose values or beliefs were very different from their own.
The research also found that 62% of parents surveyed either do not have a Will or have one that is out of date. More than half had never made a Will, while a further 10% said their existing Will no longer reflected their circumstances or wishes.
Lara Davies, of OLS Solicitors, which is taking part in the Will Aid campaign, said families should not assume that simply discussing arrangements was enough.
She said the person parents would choose may not necessarily be the person other family members expect, and that professional legal advice can help families consider their individual circumstances and formally record their wishes.
Will Aid takes place every November, with participating solicitors across the UK offering to write basic Wills while waiving their usual fee in return for a voluntary charitable donation.
For the 2026 campaign, suggested donations are £120 for a single basic Will and £200 for a pair of basic mirror Wills. Donations support Will Aid's partner charities.
Appointments can be arranged in person or remotely with participating solicitors.
Parents wanting to find a participating firm can search through the Will Aid solicitor directory.
