Wills can be complicated and no one wants to think long about death, so it's no surprise that many people just don't get around to making one. But for the increasing number of cohabiting couples it is something that perhaps should be given priority.

A new will writing service, launched throughout Skipton Building Society’s branch network, aims to target consumers’ ignorance about the rights of cohabiting couples.

Jennifer Holloway, head of media relations, commented: "A will is essential for anyone who wishes to ensure their estate passes exactly to whom they want it to. However, with the number of married couples declining by a third in the last 25 years and the number of couples cohabiting increasing by 260% over the same period, there is a strong need to educate people that the rights of the ‘common law spouse’ are a myth."

"Couples who live together, for however long, do not have the same rights as married couples, especially when it comes to the subject of inheritance. Add to this the fact that the annual value of estates in the UK passing on death is over £40 billion, and it becomes crystal clear that making a will is a priority."

Key Features:

• The will writing service is available in all 79 Skipton branches, across the UK, in association with Irwin Mitchell – a top 20 law firm.
• Customers receive a will writing pack to explain the service and help them determine the type of will required.
• Customers complete the relevant instruction form (a free helpline is available) and return it to the branch.

The three types of will available are:

• Single will – suitable for single people
• Mirror will – suitable for married or cohabiting couples with a joint estate of less than £263,000 who wish to leave their assets to each other
• Discretionary will trust – suitable for married or cohabiting couples with a joint estate of more than £263,000 who can benefit from inheritance tax planning

Skipton says prices range from £95 to £375 (+ VAT).