A new survey of 2,000 adults has found that the average family feud has been going on for seven years and shows no signs of stopping, with issues such as wills and inheritance at the heart of the matter.
TV Lauren Edwards 11:23, 22 Apr 2025
As the new drama 'I, Jack Wright' is set to premiere on Wednesday, April 23, a new study reveals that half of Brits are embroiled in a family feud. The main reasons for these disputes include favouritism, personality clashes, affairs, and disagreements over wills and inheritance.
The recent poll involving 2,000 adults has shown that such conflicts have resulted in family members giving each other the cold shoulder, missing significant occasions like weddings, and even severing ties entirely. The average feud has been ongoing for seven years and shows no signs of being resolved. For 22%, it's been a decade or more. as some grudges have even been passed down from one generation to the next.
This research was carried out to coincide with the debut of the new , 'I, Jack Wright', which premieres on Wednesday, April 23. The series revolves around a family at odds over a will and features Trevor Eve, Nikki Amuka-Bird, and John Simm, and is written by Unforgotten's Chris Lang.
The plot of the new drama unfolds after the patriarch of the Wright family, Jack (played by Eve), is discovered dead from an apparent suicide, leaving his family reeling from his loss. However, their sorrow soon turns into bewilderment when it emerges that his wife and two sons have been excluded from his will.
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Among those surveyed, 11% revealed that they or a family member had contested a will in court, while 12% expressed concern that an inheritance could ignite a family dispute in the near future.
A spokesperson for U&Alibi remarked: "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.”
Reflecting on past conflicts, 86% believe their family disputes could have been prevented, yet 14% see them as unavoidable. Yet, one-third, often find themselves dwelling on these feuds multiple times a week, with nearly half admitting that the strife has impacted their mental health.
It's perhaps not shocking that 59% feel it's time to resolve these issues, with 30% hopeful for a natural resolution. However, almost half are less optimistic about any reconciliation, with many keen to make amends only if the other person takes the initial step. While 29% still don't think this would be enough.
A quarter accept family feuds as an inherent aspect of family life, and 34% acknowledge that disputes with family members can be particularly hurtful.
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The spokesperson added, a layer of insight, remarking: "While money – much like in I, Jack Wright – is often the cause, the actual reasons for the squabbling tend to run much deeper.
"Losing a family member can bring families together – but it can also pull families apart. 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.”
TOP 10 CAUSES OF FAMILY FEUDS
- Personality clashes
- Disagreements over lifestyle choices
- Favouritism among family members
- Disagreements over money owed or borrowed
- Disagreements over something else financially related not listed
- Affairs or relationship betrayals
- Perceived unfair distribution of assets
- Lack of clear communication over heritance before the person passed away
- Family members being left out of a will entirely
- Accusations of undue influence or fraud in relation to a will
