A shock storyline at the end of the latest series of hit television drama Succession, which aired in December 2021 could prompt people to consider who should benefit from their Wills. And the show’s Uncle Ewan’s Greenpeace legacy plot could even lead to more Scots deciding to leave something for charity as part of their estate.
Caroline Fraser, one of our Private Client Partners who specialises in creating Wills and Trusts, believes the effect of the show - based on the power-tussle in the fictional Waystar Royco media empire - could be more than simply an eyebrow-raising plot.
Viewers of the latest series have been stunned after Cousin Greg found himself disinherited by being removed from the Will of his grandfather, who decides to give his entire fortune to environmental charity Greenpeace. Greenpeace has already reported a surge in queries from people interested in leaving money to them since the scene was aired.
Caroline said: “Yes, this is just a television show. But we should not dismiss the influence it could have. Greenpeace has seen it already. And some people have already mentioned to me - albeit slightly tongue-in-cheek - that it’s maybe time to take a look at their Will after watching the episode.
“For many that will obviously be a joke. For some, however, the show might just prompt them to think either ‘I better get a Will’ or ‘my Will needs updated’. And, when they’re updating it, they might just decide to follow Ewan’s example by leaving something to charity.
“We have seen in the past how a spotlight on life issues can spark a lightbulb moment. Succession might just do that for Wills - and a Will is something we should all have and keep up-to-date, whatever our circumstances.
“I would, however, suggest that anyone looking at their Will obtains professional advice. Not doing so risks some real-life drama.”
Among the stars of Succession is Dundonian actor Brian Cox, who plays media mogul Logan Roy.
According to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator’s (OSCR) 2021 Scottish Charities Report, 15% of the money raised by charities with an income of more than £250,000 was via donations and legacies, such as those made in Wills. There are more than 25,000 organisations on the Scottish Charity Register.
The above article was published in the Courier on 31 December 2021.
