Half of Brits have ongoing feud in their family – including favouritism, personality clashes and affairs

The Sun

22-04-2025

HALF of Brits have an ongoing feud in their family - with favouritism, personality clashes, affairs, and disputes over wills and inheritance common causes.
A poll of 2,000 adults found falling outs have resulted in family members not speaking (34 per cent), not attending milestone events like weddings (55 per cent), and severing ties entirely (74 per cent).
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The average rift has lasted seven years and counting - but for 22 per cent it has carried on for 10 years or more.
While some tiffs have even been passed down from one generation to another (21 per cent).
The research was carried out to celebrate new U&Alibi drama, 'I, Jack Wright', which airs Wednesday April 23 and focusses on a family at war over a will – it stars Trevor Eve, Nikki Amuka-Bird, and John Simm, and was written by Unforgotten's Chris Lang.
In the study, 11 per cent revealed they, or someone in their family, has contested a will in court, while 12 per cent fear an inheritance could cause a family fallout in the coming months and years.
And they could be right – 57 per cent currently don't have a will, and of those who do, 25 per cent have barely discussed it with their loved ones.
A spokesperson said: "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.'
In hindsight, 86 per cent believe the dissension in their family could have been avoided, but 14 per cent are convinced it was always going to happen.
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Three in 10 (30 per cent) think about the feud several times a week or more and 48 per cent admit it has impacted their mental health.
Perhaps as a result, 59 per cent think it's 'important' all bickering comes to an end - and 30 per cent think that will happen in time, but 49 per cent aren't so convinced.
That hasn't stopped some trying - 26 per cent revealed they or another member of the family have tried mediation or counselling to resolve the situation.
While 51 per cent of those directly involved in a feud, would be 'willing' to let bygones be bygones – if the other party involved made the first move.
However, even that wouldn't be enough for 29 per cent.
Carried out through OnePoll.com, the study found 23 per cent believe family in-fighting is just a natural part of family dynamics.
Although 34 per cent admit feuds between family members run especially deep.
A spokesperson added: "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.'