Once taboo, wills becoming acceptable to elderly

More elderly Chinese are coming around to the idea of writing a will, to avoid disputes among family members, especially over the division of property, after they've departed.

Although still uncommon, anecdotal evidence shows a growing awareness nationwide that a written will can help prevent problems that can arise when someone dies.

"The phone has been ringing off the hook all day with people wanting to make an appointment," said Zhao Zhongxing, who runs the China Will Registration Center's Shanghai branch, which opened on Wednesday.