New Survey Reveals Staggering Findings on Inheritance Planning and the Role of Family in Initial Consultations

Understanding Inheritance Planning: Insights from Recent Survey

Inheritance planning is a crucial topic for many individuals, especially those aged between 40 and 70. A recent survey conducted by the Tokyo Shinjuku Law Office reveals startling statistics about people's readiness to engage in inheritance planning and who they trust to guide them through this sensitive process.

The Survey's Background

Inheritance involves complex procedures such as gathering family registers, assessing assets, and negotiating among involved parties. Given these challenges, individuals often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to begin. The survey aimed to comprehensively analyze respondents' preparation levels, their first points of consultation, reasons behind these choices, perceived barriers, and their future intentions regarding inheritance planning.

Key Findings

1. Preparation Status: 55.7% of respondents indicated that they had "not started anything" regarding inheritance preparation. This number highlights a widespread hesitance or inability to take the initial steps necessary for effective planning.

2. Primary Consultation Sources: When it comes to who individuals consult first, 38% reported turning to family and relatives, making it the most common choice. Professionals like judicial scriveners and lawyers trailed behind with 13.7% and 12.3% respectively.

3. Priorities in Choosing Consultation Sources: The most important factors for selecting a consultation source were specialized knowledge and proven experience, with 35.4% prioritizing these aspects over qualities like personality or ease of communication.

4. Barriers to Consultation: The most significant obstacle faced by respondents was uncertainty about how to start, affecting 35% of participants. Other concerns included the fear of costs being unclear, affecting 27% of respondents, and difficulties in discussing matters with family (12.3%).

5. Current Actions and Next Steps: In terms of actions taken lately, 26.3% of participants expressed they were "still undecided," while 24.3% indicated having discussions with family. This suggests a divide between wanting to prepare and being unsure how to proceed.

Conclusion

The survey reveals that more than half of the respondents are not yet engaged in inheritance preparation, primarily struggling with the question of how to begin. Most individuals tend to first consult their families before considering professional assistance. The selection criteria underscore the importance of expertise and credibility, while the financial uncertainties pose a significant barrier.

Recognizing these issues, the Tokyo Shinjuku Law Office offers preliminary consultations free of charge to help organize clients' situations, making the processes of document collection, methodology, and estimated costs clear and manageable. They also provide a comprehensive "Inheritance Procedure Pack," which aids in managing everything from document collection to drafting estate division agreements and filing inheritance tax returns, making the process easier for clients. The transparent pricing structure assures individuals that they can seek guidance without fear.

For more information, visit Tokyo Shinjuku Law Office.