This is why you’re more likely to be written out of your family will in January - or disinherited by your loved ones

Stress and family arguments over Christmas cause a spike in changes to wills and inheritance claims, according to Stephensons Solicitors LLP.

The legal experts said early January is peak season for those taking drastic steps to cut a beneficiary out of their will or protect money and assets from siblings, children and even husbands and wives after Christmas quarrels.

Stephensons recorded a 114% percent spike in enquiries in January 2019*, with calls to the firm’s wills and probate team doubling as a result of the fallout from festive fights. This year the firm is braced for similar numbers.

Arguments

Rather than bringing glad tidings, Christmas often pushes many fragile family relationships to breaking point, with many choosing to amend their will to disinherit relatives.

Previous research has suggested that the average British family will have no fewer than five arguments on Christmas Day alone, with the first happening at 10:13am.

Causes include everything from board games, to tensions over cooking Christmas dinner and not being happy with gifts.

“Blazing rows”

Jill Rushton, Head of Wills and Probate at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, said: “Christmas is meant to be a happy time, when you enjoy celebrating with your extended family.

“However, mounting tensions over everything from Brexit to board games, after spending so much time indoors, being over-fed and having one tipple too many, runs the risk of causing serious arguments.

“This is especially the case when there is already a rift, whether it’s between parents and children, or even in a marriage.

“Factor in the pressure of making sure that Christmas goes without a hitch, it can all be a recipe for disaster.