Ten million Britons have written their will during pandemic

Almost 30 million do not have a will and experts are urging more to take action to prevent family disputes. Neil Jones, tax and estate planning specialist at Canada Life, which carried out the research, said do not shy away from talking about family finances: "While no one likes to think about their own mortality, it must not be a taboo subject." Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said without proper planning, your final legacy could be a nasty family dispute: "Tie up loose ends, make a will and deal with tensions while you can."

Here are some of the biggest mistakes you can make.

Failing to write a will: If you die intestate, your estate is divided according to specific rules, rather than your wishes. Coles said: "If you are not married, your partner may inherit nothing. Your estate passes to children, parents and siblings, in that order."

"Even if you are married, your spouse may not inherit everything as any children may be entitled to some of the estate. "If you get divorced or married you will need a new will too," Coles added.

Voiding your will: Simple errors such as signing in the wrong place or failing to have witnesses present when you sign can cause havoc. Be careful with the wording, Coles said: "Don't just say you will leave your 'favourite' ring to your daughter, specify the ring and daughter."

Not putting your affairs in order: Pull together all paperwork, including birth and marriage certificates, divorce decrees and tax returns. "List all your accounts, investments, pensions, health insurance, life insurance, debts, mortgage and any insurance that covers the mortgage. Keep this safely with your will," Coles said.

Overpromising: If you promise to leave someone something specific, you need to deliver it in the paperwork or tell them you have changed your mind, Coles said: "If you duck the issue, you are leaving it for someone else."

Asking too much: If you want loved ones to follow complex requests, set up the right legal structures and money to pay professionals. "If you ask someone to take on admin and expense for years, they may refuse," Coles said.

Failing to explain: Talk to those affected, even if splitting assets equally between children, in case one expected more. "If your will leaves a specific person worse off, an explanation is vital," Coles said.

Ignoring existing tensions: If you write someone out of the will, or someone will argue for more, you need to protect everyone else. "Explain your decision in writing, so the courts will know you made the decision deliberately," Coles said.

Keep letter of wishes alongside your will: "Unlike the will, it isn't made public, so cannot inflame tensions," Coles said. If you suspect controversy, it is vital you write a watertight will and appoint a professional executor.