Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the increasing necessity for elderly individuals, particularly empty-nest seniors, to establish wills to avoid disputes and simplify inheritance processes, highlighting a growing trend in will-making among this demographic [1][3][8]. Group 1: Demand for Wills - The primary reason for empty-nest seniors to create wills is to prevent disputes and simplify procedures, with a significant portion also aiming to isolate their children's marital risks [8]. - As of 2024, over 40,176 wills were established in the Chinese Will Library, with 60.28% of these being from empty-nest seniors [8]. - The number of elderly individuals seeking will consultations has surged, with the Chinese Will Library providing services to 572,000 individuals and managing 357,000 wills, of which over 70% are from seniors [2][3]. Group 2: Changing Attitudes Towards Wills - There has been a notable shift in societal attitudes, with more ordinary seniors viewing wills as essential legal tools rather than omens of bad luck [3][7]. - The increasing complexity of family structures and asset types necessitates formal wills, as traditional verbal agreements are inadequate for addressing inheritance issues [3][8]. - The Chinese Will Library has observed a rise in will-making among younger demographics, indicating a broader acceptance of the concept of wills among the population [15][19]. Group 3: Legal and Social Implications - The article highlights the correlation between the lack of wills and rising inheritance disputes, with over 110,000 inheritance cases reported annually in recent years [7][8]. - The Chinese Will Library aims to provide a structured and secure process for will-making to mitigate future inheritance conflicts [22][24]. - The organization has established 56 service centers nationwide, but recognizes the vast potential for growth in will-making services, estimating a demand for approximately 170 million wills in urban households alone [27]. Group 4: Innovations in Will-Making - The introduction of the "WeChat Will" feature allows users to leave non-legal messages for loved ones, reflecting a growing trend of younger individuals engaging with the concept of wills [12][15]. - The diversity of assets included in wills has expanded, now encompassing real estate, bank deposits, company shares, and even virtual assets, indicating a shift in how individuals view their legacies [8][16]. - The Chinese Will Library has implemented a rigorous process for will registration, including identity verification and mental assessments, to ensure the validity of the wills created [22][24].

Core Insights - The increasing demand for wills in China is driven by the aging population and the complexity of family structures, making standardized will creation a necessity [2][5][14] - The number of individuals consulting and registering wills with the China Will Library has significantly increased, with over 570,000 consultations and 357,000 wills registered, predominantly by elderly individuals [1][5] - Public perception of wills is gradually changing, with more people recognizing them as essential legal tools rather than omens of bad luck [2][3][12] Group 1: Demand and Trends - The number of elderly individuals registering wills has risen, with 40,176 wills registered in 2024, and 60.28% of these from empty-nest seniors [5][6] - The average asset value of individuals registering wills increased from 6.265 million to 7.441 million yuan from 2021 to 2023 [4] - The trend of younger individuals engaging with wills is growing, with 1,030 individuals under 30 registering wills in 2023, compared to just 61 in 2017 [11] Group 2: Challenges and Perceptions - Initial resistance to the term "will" in public advertising reflects societal discomfort, though acceptance is increasing over time [3][4] - Many elderly individuals express concerns about potential family disputes over inheritance, prompting them to seek formal wills [3][4] - Despite the growing need, there remains a significant gap between the actual demand for wills and public awareness of their importance [2][3] Group 3: Legal and Institutional Framework - The China Will Library was established in 2013 as a public welfare project to standardize will creation and prevent inheritance disputes [2][14] - The process of creating a will through the China Will Library includes multiple verification steps to ensure the validity and legality of the will [14][16] - The organization aims to educate the public on the importance of wills, with a potential market for 170 million wills based on estimated demand [16]