IT was Benjamin Franklin, the 18th century American author and political theorist who declared that there was nothing more certain in life than death and taxes.

And despite all the medical advances, increased life-expectancy, and political changes since his forthright statement in 1789, those two certainties still remain.

Even if we live to be the world’s oldest man or woman, we can’t take any of our prized possessions, or financial assets with us when we pass away.

It’s natural that most of us want to leave all we have to our loved ones – but it doesn’t just happen automatically.

If we want all we have to go to the intended recipient(s), we must write a will, otherwise we are leaving such important decisions in the hands of others.

A recent study found that more than 50 per cent of adults in the North-East have not made a will.

The staggering statistic was discovered ahead of national Will Aid Month, which will take place in November in a bid to encourage people to get their will written.

Emma Heather, a partner at Hexham solicitors Nicholson Portnell, said making a will had multiple benefits for individuals and their families.

She explained: “Generally speaking it is a very cheap, quick, and straightforward thing to do.

“It’s one of those things that people will often leave until they are in their 50s or 60s, onwards.

“But there’s no reason why you can’t do it at 20 years old, and it gives you peace of mind.”

Emma said a will was the best way to ensure a person’s desires and intentions would be put into practice following their death.

She added: “Without a will the laws of intestacy apply, and these will not cover partners who are not married, or step children, for example. It’s an opportunity to take into account tax planning, and making a tax efficient use of your estate, and to look at the appointment of legal guardians for your children if both parents were to pass away.

“With a will in place, you avoid family disputes and leaving tricky decisions to your loved ones. For legal, tax, and emotional reasons, taking out a will really is worth considering.”

Will Aid Month takes place every November. It encourages people to write a will with the help of a professional solicitor.

Law firms pledge their time to write basic wills, with clients making a voluntary donation to Will Aid instead. Donations support the vital work of nine partner charities.

Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director for Will Aid, said: “Every year we carry out a poll to work out how many Britons have no will in place and the figures are always shocking.

“Will Aid is a fantastic way to tick this important piece of paperwork off your to-do list whilst also making a real difference with a charitable donation.”

The survey, which was carried out by Will Aid, found that over 51.5 per cent of people in the North-East did not have a will, slightly higher than the national figure of 51 per cent of people in Britain.

People are being encouraged to sign up to Will Aid week. The price of £95 covers a single will, and £150 for a pair of mirror wills.

Law firms pledge their time to write basic wills, with money from clients supporting vital charity work. The beneficiaries of the scheme are: Action Aid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland), and Trocaire (Northern Ireland).

For more information visit www.willaid.org.uk