A recent nationwide poll has revealed that half of adults in Britain are currently involved in ongoing family feuds, highlighting the prevalence and persistence of conflicts within familial relationships. The survey, which included responses from 2,000 adults, identified common causes of these disputes as favouritism, personality clashes, affairs, and disagreements over wills and inheritance.
The ramifications of such feuds have been significant in many households, with 34% of respondents reporting that family members have ceased speaking to each other. More strikingly, 55% revealed that feuding relatives have avoided attending important milestone events such as weddings, while 74% acknowledged that the disputes have led to severed ties entirely. The average duration of these rifts is seven years, and for 22% of families, the discord has lasted a decade or longer. Furthermore, 21% disclosed that quarrels have been passed down from one generation to the next.
Concerning inheritance disputes, 11% of participants disclosed that they or someone in their family has contested a will in court. Meanwhile, 12% expressed concern that inheritance issues could spark future fallouts. Compounding this, 57% of those surveyed admitted they do not currently possess a will, and among those who have one, a quarter have barely discussed its contents with family members.
The findings were published in connection with the launch of the new drama series ‘I, Jack Wright’, airing on U&Alibi from Wednesday, 23 April. The show focuses on a family embroiled in turmoil over a contested will and features actors Trevor Eve, Nikki Amuka-Bird, and John Simm. It was penned by Chris Lang, known for his work on the series ‘Unforgotten’. A spokesperson for the series commented on the research, stating, “Feuds can tear families apart – impacting not just those directly involved but the wider family too. They’ve long been the source of inspiration for literature, theatre, cinema, and TV – so many of us can relate to such situations. And while money – much like in I, Jack Wright – is often the cause, the actual reasons for the squabbling tend to run much deeper.”
Reflecting on their personal experiences, 86% of respondents believed their family disputes could have been avoided, whereas 14% felt the conflicts were inevitable. These ongoing issues also appear to take a toll on mental health, with 48% admitting the discord has had a detrimental effect. Thoughts about the feud occur frequently for many, with 30% thinking about it several times a week or more. Despite the strain, 59% expressed the desire for all family disputes to come to an end, although only 30% were optimistic that reconciliation will happen eventually, compared to 49% who were less hopeful.
Attempts to resolve conflicts have been made in some families, with 26% reporting that they or others have sought mediation or counselling. Half of those directly involved in feuds said they would be willing to forgive and move on if the opposing party initiated reconciliation; however, 29% indicated this would not be sufficient.
The poll also explored attitudes toward family conflict more broadly: 23% regard in-fighting as a natural aspect of family dynamics, while 34% acknowledged that disputes between family members often run very deep.
The research listed the top ten causes of family feuds as follows:
- Personality clashes
- Disagreements over lifestyle choices
- Favouritism among family members
- Disputes over money owed or borrowed
- Other financially related disagreements
- Affairs or relationship betrayals
- Perceived unfair distribution of assets
- Lack of clear communication about inheritance before death
- Family members being excluded from a will
- Accusations of undue influence or fraud related to a will
A series spokesperson noted that the death of a family member, while sometimes a unifying event, can also exacerbate tensions. They added, “That person is no longer able to speak for themselves – answer any questions loved ones might have. And for television writers, this lends itself to all sorts of interesting possibilities – especially when you throw inheritance into the mix.”
This extensive survey underscores the complexity and longevity of family disputes in the UK, demonstrating how issues surrounding personality, finances, and inheritance continue to fuel conflicts that impact individuals and wider family networks for years at a time.
Source: Noah Wire Services