More than half of UK adults do not have a will. For many of them, this is not a considered decision — it is simply something they have never got around to. But dying without a will, known as dying intestate, means the law decides what happens to your money, property, and possessions. The result is rarely what most people would want.
- Why making a will matters
- What a will needs to include
- How to make a will cheaply
- Keeping your will up to date
Why making a will matters
If you die without a will, the intestacy rules dictate who inherits your estate. These rules prioritise spouses and civil partners, then children, then other relatives in a fixed order. Unmarried partners — however long you have been together — receive nothing automatically. Neither do stepchildren, close friends, or charities you care about.
Making a will ensures your assets go where you intend. It also lets you appoint an executor — the person responsible for administering your estate — and name guardians for any children under 18.
What a will needs to include
A valid UK will must be written down, signed by you in the presence of two independent witnesses, and signed by those witnesses in your presence. The witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of the will or married to beneficiaries. It should clearly name your executor, identify your beneficiaries, and state what each person receives.
How to make a will cheaply
A solicitor-drafted will typically costs between £150 and £400 for a single person, or £250 to £600 for a couple with mirror wills. This is money well spent for complex estates, blended families, or anyone with business interests or significant property.
For straightforward situations, there are cheaper options. Will-writing services and online tools can produce a valid will for £50 to £100. Free will schemes run by charities — in partnership with solicitors — are available during certain periods of the year, particularly for people over 55.
Keeping your will up to date
A will should be reviewed after any major life change — marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, a significant change in assets, or the death of a named beneficiary. Note that marriage automatically revokes a previous will in England and Wales, which catches many people out.
Store your will somewhere safe and make sure your executor knows where to find it. The Probate Service offers a will storage service for a one-off fee.
Bottom line
Making a will is one of the most straightforward and important financial planning steps you can take. It costs little, takes minimal time, and ensures that the people and causes you care about are protected. If you do not have one, put it at the top of your to-do list today.