Most people know they should have a Will. But many put it off, convinced it’s something for “later in life” — or worse, that it’s only relevant for the wealthy.

In reality, a good Will is one of the most practical and protective documents you can have, no matter your income or age. It doesn’t shout for attention or make big promises. Instead, it works quietly in the background to prevent stress, conflict, and confusion for the people you care about most.

What a Will really does

A properly drafted Will does more than divide your money. It gives clear instructions on:

• Who should inherit your home, savings, and possessions.
  
  
• Who should look after your children if they’re under 18.
  
  
• How any insurance or pension money (that falls into your estate) should be handled.
  
  
• Who you trust to carry out your wishes — your executors.
  
  

Without a Will, these decisions fall to the law — not you. And the law doesn’t always reflect modern families, second marriages, or unmarried partners.

Where the lack of a Will causes problems

Unmarried couples:
In England and Wales, there’s no such thing as a “common-law spouse”. If you die without a Will, your partner could get nothing — even if you’ve lived together for decades.

Blended families:
Stepchildren don’t automatically inherit under intestacy rules. Without a Will, you could unintentionally cut out children from a previous relationship.

Delays and costs:
No Will means a more complicated probate process. That can mean extra legal fees, family arguments, and months (or even years) of waiting for money that could help loved ones stay financially afloat.

Real example

David and Fiona lived together for fifteen years but never married. They bought a house together in Fiona’s name for mortgage reasons. David died suddenly without a Will. Legally, Fiona didn’t automatically inherit his savings — they went to his estranged parents, who refused to pass the money back to her. A simple Will would have protected the life they’d built together.

A Will should change with you

A Will isn’t something you write once and forget. It should evolve as your life does. Key moments for a review include:

• Buying or selling property
  
  
• Getting married or divorced (marriage revokes a previous Will)
  
  
• Having children or grandchildren
  
  
• A big change in your finances
  
  

Even if none of these happen, reviewing every few years ensures it still reflects your wishes and UK law.

Protection that speaks for you

When you die, your Will is your voice. It ensures your family can act quickly and confidently, with clear legal backing. That means fewer delays, fewer disagreements, and far less stress at an already difficult time.

Most people never see the real value of their Will — but their family certainly does.

If you don’t have a Will, or it’s out of date

If you’ve never written one, or can’t remember what yours says, now is the moment to fix that. A clear, well-drafted Will is the quiet protection that holds everything else in your financial plan together — so your hard work truly benefits the people you care about.