Breaking the taboo of death

Now, more than ever death has become a topic of daily conversation, affecting people in every country, of every ethnicity, age and gender in a way not really experienced before. Despite this, the taboo around discussing death remains. Many still find it hard to approach the subject and, in some cases, simply refuse to.

Lost for Words

Last month, in collaboration with photographer Rankin, Royal London launched a digital exhibition called Lost for Words aimed to inspire an open conversation about death, grief and how to be more prepared for it. After all, how else can we better prepare those close to us unless we talk about what might happen when we die and in turn make the necessary arrangements to ease the emotional, practical and financial stresses that can follow death.

Lost for Words brings together household names such as Gloria Hunniford, Jeff Brazier and Stuart and Doreen Lawrence, as well as members of the general public, in sharing their personal stories of bereavement and breaks the silence around death. It demonstrates how nobody is immune to loss and encourages us not to shy away from talking about it.

Planning for the future

Currently, it is estimated that over 50% of UK adults do not have a valid Will in place and that many may have unknowingly made their Will void by getting married. This is because marriage automatically revokes a previous Will. Further figures suggest that 60% of parents do not have a Will so important decisions, such as appointing guardians for their infant children, are being overlooked.

You can see the full Lost for Words exhibition film featuring everyone who came together to voice their experiences of death, here. 

More information

Our solicitors in our private client department are all experienced and comfortable discussing Wills and planning for end of life and will put you at ease from the start. To discuss this contact them now by filling in the contact us form on this page, emailing mail@pinneytalfourd.co.uk or calling 01708 229444.

This article was written by Emma Thorpe, Associate in the Private Client Team at Pinney Talfourd LLP Solicitors. The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. Specific legal advice should be taken on each individual matter. This article is based on the law as of December 2020.