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Writing a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are respected after you die. Yet many people put it off — sometimes indefinitely. Here is why acting sooner rather than later matters, and what happens if you do not.
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At a glance
What it covers
Why making a will promptly protects your estate, your family, and your peace of mind.
Who handles it
A solicitor or specialist will-writing service (such as Funero) can help you create a legally valid document.
Typical timeline
A straightforward will can be drafted and signed in a matter of days; a will should be reviewed whenever major life events occur.
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Your Wishes Are Respected
The most fundamental reason to create a will is to ensure your wishes about the distribution of your assets are legally binding. Without one, your estate is governed by intestacy rules — which follow a fixed legal order that may not reflect your preferences at all. A will gives you direct control over who inherits your property, savings, and personal belongings.
Protecting the People You Love
A will is not only about assets. If you have minor children, it is the document in which you name a guardian — someone you trust to care for them if you are no longer able to. Without this, the court decides. A will also allows you to make specific provisions for vulnerable dependants, including adult relatives who may need ongoing support.
Reducing Family Disputes
Ambiguity over an estate is one of the most common triggers of family conflict. A clearly written will reduces the chance of disagreements among heirs by making your intentions explicit and legally enforceable. This can preserve relationships during an already painful time.
Simplifying Probate
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's estate is settled. A well-prepared will makes this process considerably smoother and faster. Without one, probate becomes more complex and time-consuming — and beneficiaries may wait significantly longer for access to their inheritances. You can find out more about what happens to an estate in our guide on what to do when a loved one passes away.
Keeping Your Will Up to Date
Life changes — and your will should change with it. Marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or the acquisition of significant assets are all events that should prompt a review. A will that reflects an earlier chapter of your life may fail to protect the people and things that matter most to you now. Review your will at every major life event, and at least every five years.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that your affairs are in order provides genuine reassurance — for you and for your family. It removes uncertainty at a time when those left behind are already under considerable emotional strain. Making a will is one of the most caring things you can do for the people who matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I die without a will in the UK?
You are said to have died "intestate." Your estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules, which prioritise spouses and civil partners, then children, then other relatives. Unmarried partners, close friends, and non-family carers receive nothing, regardless of your wishes. For practical guidance on handling this situation, see our article on what to do when a parent dies without a will.
When should I make my first will?
As soon as you have assets, dependants, or a clear preference about who should inherit. For many people this means making a will in their twenties or thirties — certainly before any major purchase, marriage, or the arrival of children.
Can I write my own will?
Yes, but a will must meet strict legal requirements to be valid — it must be written, signed in the presence of two independent witnesses, and those witnesses must also sign. A poorly written will can be challenged or declared invalid. Professional guidance reduces this risk significantly.
How much does it cost to write a will?
Funero offers a fixed-price will-writing service at £85, including everything needed for a clear and legally binding document. Find out more at funero.co.uk/will or contact us at info@funero.co.uk.
