It may come as a surprise, but the majority of people in the UK don’t have a Will—despite it being one of the most important documents you’ll ever create.
And it’s understandable why. It might feel like it takes too much time, doesn’t apply to you right now, or is just too complicated to even begin thinking about.
The truth is, it’s easy to put off—especially if you’re unsure where to start or unaware of the options available to you. But once you understand your choices and have the right guidance, creating your Will becomes a straightforward, even empowering, step.
With expert support by your side, it’s easier than you think to protect the people you care about and make sure your wishes are honoured.
Why Having a Will Matters
If you’re among the two-thirds of people in the UK who don’t yet have a Will, there’s no better time than now to put one in place. A Will isn’t just a legal document—it’s peace of mind for you and protection for the people you care about most.
With a Will, you can:
- Decide who inherits your estate
Ensure your assets go to the people you choose—not those selected by the laws of intestacy.
- Protect your loved ones from third-party claims
Set up additional protections like trusts and asset preservation to help safeguard your estate.
- Appoint guardians for your children
Name trusted individuals to care for your minor children, so that decision isn’t left to chance.
- Make your wishes clear
By putting everything in writing, you can:
- Minimise the risk of family disputes
- Make the process simpler and less stressful for your loved ones during a difficult time.
Taking the time to write a Will means taking care of the people you love—even when you’re no longer here to do it in person.
Q&A
What happens if I pass away without a Will?
You will have died intestate. This means the rules of intestacy will need to be followed.
When should I consider having a Will written?
The minimum age to be able to have a Will is 18. However, the reality is that most people around this age do not have a Will.
Serious consideration to having a Will, should be when you have any wealth you want to pass on or crucially when you have children.
Its vital that guardians are appointed in your Will, so you know that your children will be looked after by the people you trust and care for your children.
Appointing Guardians, what to think about?
Choosing who would care for your children if you weren’t around is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your estate.
For many young families, grandparents often feel like the natural choice—and in the short term, they might be the perfect fit. But it’s worth thinking ahead. As your parents grow older, they may not always be in the best position to take on that responsibility long-term. That’s why it’s a good idea to name reserve guardians too, just in case circumstances change.
Before making anything official, have open conversations with your chosen guardians. Make sure they understand what’s involved—and that they’re comfortable with the role.
Also consider:
- Where your guardians live—would your children need to move schools or cities?
- Do they already have children of their own, and how might that dynamic work?
- Most importantly, do you trust them completely to raise your children with the values and care you would want?
At the end of the day, this decision is about giving yourself peace of mind and ensuring your children would be loved, safe, and supported—no matter what.
What type of Will should I have?
If you’ve been looking into Wills, you’ve probably come across a few different types—and it can get confusing, especially if this is your first time going through the process (and sometimes even after that!).
The easiest way to work out which kind of Will you might need is to ask yourself one simple question:
Do you want your beneficiaries to have any protection around their inheritance?
- If your answer is no, then a Basic Will may be all you need.
This type of Will distributes your estate to the people you’ve chosen, usually when they reach 18. It also includes:
- Appointment of guardians for any minor children
- Executors and trustees
- Any specific gifts you’d like to leave
- Funeral wishes, if you’d like to include them
- If your answer is yes, then you would require more than a Basic Will, and would need to consider Trusts included in your Will or alongside. your Will
.
No two families are the same, so it’s always worth having a conversation with a specialist to find out what’s right for you.
What does an Executor do?
In simple terms, an executor is the person responsible for managing the estate of someone who has passed away. Their duties can include:
- Applying for the Grant of Probate
- Settling any outstanding debts and taxes
- Distributing assets to the beneficiaries
- Carrying out the wishes outlined in the Will
While you can appoint a trusted family member or friend, many people choose to use professionals due to the complexity involved. No two estates are the same, and just because someone you know had a straightforward experience doesn’t mean yours will be the same.
It’s a big responsibility—executors are legally accountable for making sure everything is done correctly. If a mistake is made, they could be held personally liable, which is why many choose to take out executor insurance as a precaution.
Executors vs Trustees: What’s the Difference?
While executors and trustees are often the same individuals, their roles and responsibilities are quite different.
Executors are responsible for managing the deceased’s estate. This includes tasks such as:
- Applying for the Grant of Probate
- Settling debts and paying any taxes
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries
- Ensuring the wishes outlined in the Will are followed
Their role typically ends once the estate administration is complete.
Trustees, on the other hand, take over if a trust is created within the Will. Their role begins after the estate has been administered. Trustees are responsible for managing and protecting assets on behalf of the named beneficiaries.
This might involve:
- Holding assets for minor children until they reach a specified age
- Ensuring a surviving partner has the right to remain in a property
- Managing funds in a way that supports the beneficiaries while protecting the inheritance
There must be a minimum of two trustees, and they can continue to act for many years, depending on the terms of the trust.