FAMILIES in Wales are more likely than those anywhere else in the UK to have witnessed arguments over inheritance, according to new research.

A YouGov survey commissioned by wealth management firm Mattioli Woods found that 77 per cent of over-55s in Wales had seen inheritance-related disputes among relatives or friends.

This was the highest figure recorded across the UK, ahead of London at 72 per cent, the South East at 71 per cent, the South West at 70 per cent and Scotland at 69 per cent.

Across the UK as a whole, almost two-thirds of over-55s, 64 per cent, said they had witnessed family conflict over inheritance.

Arguments and damaged relationships were the most frequently reported consequences, although some disagreements had escalated into formal legal disputes.

Despite the prevalence of family conflict, most people still intend to pass on their wealth through a traditional inheritance after death rather than giving away the majority of their assets during their lifetime.

The second most popular approach was a combination of lifetime gifts and inheritance, while only a minority planned to transfer most of their wealth before they died.

The survey also found that many families continue to avoid talking openly about inheritance.

One in four over-55s said they had never discussed the subject with their family, with privacy concerns, discomfort and a belief that it was too early to begin planning among the reasons given.

Concerns about the cost of later-life care were found to outweigh worries about Inheritance Tax.

When asked about the greatest challenges involved in passing on wealth, respondents placed paying for care and other later-life costs ahead of taxation, running out of money in retirement, treating beneficiaries fairly and the risk of 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.”

Ms Christy said there was no single correct way for families to pass on their wealth.

She added: “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.”

The research was carried out by YouGov among 2,174 UK adults on June 1 and 2, 2026.

PEOPLE in Wales are more likely than anywhere else in the UK to have witnessed family disputes over inheritance, according to new research.

A YouGov survey carried out for wealth management and employee benefits firm Mattioli Woods found that 77 per cent of over-55s in Wales had seen inheritance-related disputes among relatives or friends.

That was the highest figure recorded across the UK, ahead of London at 72 per cent, the South East at 71 per cent, the South West at 70 per cent, Scotland at 69 per cent and Yorkshire at 64 per cent.

Despite this, most over-55s still intend to pass on wealth through traditional inheritance after death, rather than gifting the majority of their assets during their lifetime.

The research found that 64 per cent of over-55s across the UK had witnessed family conflict over inheritance, with arguments and damaged relationships the most common outcomes. In some cases, disagreements had escalated into formal legal disputes.

However, the experience of seeing such disputes does not appear to be prompting a major shift towards lifetime gifting. Passing assets on through an estate remains the preferred option for most over-55s, while a combination of lifetime gifts and inheritance was the second most popular approach. Only a minority said they intended to transfer most of their wealth before they died.

The survey also suggests many families are still reluctant to talk openly about inheritance. One in four over-55s said they had never discussed inheritance with their family.

Researchers said this may reflect discomfort around the subject, concerns over privacy, or a belief that it is simply too early to have the conversation.

The findings also show that worries about later-life care are now outweighing concerns about Inheritance Tax. When asked about the biggest challenges in passing on wealth, over-55s ranked paying for care or other later-life costs ahead of Inheritance Tax, the risk of running out of money in retirement, treating beneficiaries fairly and the possibility of 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.”

Mattioli Woods recently integrated Kingswood Group under a unified brand, following its October 2025 merger.

The combined business now oversees more than 30,000 clients and is responsible for assets under management exceeding £32 billion.

With more than 200 financial advisers across more than 40 UK offices, the group says the integration strengthens its position as a national wealth manager and enhances its ability to deliver joined-up wealth planning, investment management and employee benefits services.

Ms Christy 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.”

HUNDREDS of thousands of young people are being urged to check whether they are entitled to forgotten savings held in Child Trust Fund accounts.

The UK Government has launched a new drive to reunite young adults with more than £1.6bn in unclaimed savings, with more than 750,000 matured accounts still unclaimed.

Child Trust Funds were set up for children born between September 1, 2002, and January 2, 2011, with Government payments made into accounts to give young people a financial asset when they reached adulthood.

Around 6.3 million accounts were opened, mostly by parents or guardians, with some set up directly by HMRC where no account was opened.

The average unclaimed account is worth around £2,200.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Rachel Blake MP has now convened a new Child Trust Fund Taskforce, bringing together government and providers to improve tracing and encourage more young people to access their money.

Members include OneFamily, Coutts, Nationwide, HSBC UK, Pilling, The Coventry, Sheffield Mutual, Unity Mutual, Forester, Healthy Investments and The Share Foundation.

Ms Blake said: “Too many young people are missing out simply because they are not aware of where their Child Trust Fund is or how to access it.

“We are acting to fix that by bringing government and industry together, improving coordination and making it easier for people to find and claim what’s rightfully theirs.”

HMRC chief executive JP Marks said many young people had an average of £2,200 waiting to be claimed.

He said: “This is their money, and we want to do all we can to help them find and access it.

“If you think you have one, you can use the Find my Child Trust Fund tool on GOV.UK to find out where your account is held.”

Accounts began maturing on September 1, 2020, when the oldest eligible young people turned 18.

Anyone born between September 1, 2002, and January 2, 2011, can search for their account for free on GOV.UK using their National Insurance number.

Those aged 18 or over can access the funds immediately.