When most people think of making a will, they imagine it’s something only the wealthy need to worry about — those with sprawling estates, investment portfolios, and holiday homes in the Cotswolds. But the truth is, having a will is important for everyone, regardless of how much money or property you have.
Whether you’re a young professional just starting out, a parent raising a family, or enjoying retirement; a will ensures your wishes are respected, and your loved ones are taken care of when you’re gone.
This article explores why having a will matters — even if you think you don’t own much — and how it can save your family time, money, and stress.
What is a will, and why does it matter?
A will is a legal document that outlines what should happen to your assets, possessions, and even responsibilities (such as guardianship of children or pets) when you pass away.
Without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy, a rigid legal framework that doesn’t consider personal relationships, specific wishes, or unique family situations.
This can lead to:
- Loved ones being left out (e.g. unmarried partners or stepchildren)
- Family disputes
- Delays in accessing your estate
- Unintended consequences.
“I don’t own much — why bother?”
It’s a common misconception that if you don’t own a home or have significant savings, a will is unnecessary. But your estate includes everything you own, such as:
- Bank accounts (even if there’s only a modest balance)
- Personal belongings (phones, jewellery, clothes, artwork)
- Vehicles
- Digital assets (email accounts, social media, crypto, cloud storage)
- Life insurance or pensions that might pay out.
Even small estates can become legally complex to deal with, especially if you leave no guidance behind. A will makes it far easier for those you care about to manage your affairs properly.
Wills are about more than just money
A will can do much more than divide your assets. It also allows you to:
- Name guardians for your children
- Choose an executor — someone you trust to manage your estate.
- Outline funeral wishes
- Leave personal messages or gifts.
- Ensure pets are looked after.
These are deeply personal decisions that deserve thoughtful consideration, and the only way to make them legally binding is with a valid will.
Protecting unmarried partners and modern families
The law doesn’t automatically recognise cohabiting partners when someone dies without a will. That means if you’re not married or in a civil partnership, your partner could receive nothing, even if you’ve lived together for decades.
Similarly, stepchildren, foster children, and others you consider “family” may not be legally entitled to anything unless you specifically include them in your will.
If your family situation doesn’t fit the traditional mould, a will is essential to ensure your loved ones are provided for.
Avoiding family disputes
Death is emotional. Add confusion over who gets what, and the situation can quickly become fraught. Having a clear, valid will reduces the chance of arguments between family members or costly legal battles after you’re gone.
It allows you to:
- Be transparent about your wishes
- Prevent misunderstandings
- Reduce stress for grieving relatives.
Even a simple will can go a long way in keeping the peace.
It makes life easier for the people you leave behind
Without a will, your loved ones may face:
- Lengthy probate delays
- Legal uncertainty
- The cost of applying for letters of administration
- Disputes over your belongings.
When you have a will, your executor can start dealing with your estate much sooner and with greater clarity. In short, a will gives your family a roadmap, saving them time and emotional strain at a difficult time.
You can control who handles your affairs
If you die without a will, the courts will appoint someone to manage your estate. This person may not be someone you would have chosen.
Writing a will lets you appoint an executor — someone you trust to carry out your wishes. This could be a close friend, relative, or even a professional solicitor.
Having a reliable executor is especially important if your estate involves any complexity, such as a business, foreign assets, or dependent children.
It’s an opportunity to leave a legacy
Your will is your chance to leave a lasting impact. You might want to:
- Leave a donation to a favourite charity
- Pass on a treasured family heirloom.
- Support a friend or relative in need.
- Preserve sentimental traditions.
Without a will, these gestures may never happen. A small estate doesn’t mean you can’t leave a meaningful legacy.
It can save money in the long run
While it’s true that writing a will involves some up-front cost, it can save your estate and your loved ones far more in legal fees and taxes later.
A well-drafted will can help:
- Minimise Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability
- Ensure assets are passed efficiently.
- Avoid costly probate complications.
Many people are surprised to find that the lack of a will costs their family thousands of pounds, far more than the cost of writing one in the first place.
Wills are easy to update
Wills aren’t set in stone. As your life changes — getting married, buying a house, having children — you can and should update your will.
Even if you wrote a basic will years ago, it’s a good idea to review it every few years or after major life events.
A solicitor can help you make changes (called a codicil) or redraft the will if needed.
A DIY will can backfire
While it’s possible to write your own will, doing so without legal advice can lead to:
- Invalid or ambiguous wording
- Missed legal requirements
- Unintended exclusions
- Challenges during probate.
Even small errors can cause a DIY will to be rejected. That’s why many people choose to work with experienced will solicitors who ensure everything is legally sound and tailored to their situation.
✅ Tip: A professionally drafted will is particularly important if you own property, are part of a blended family, or have any specific wishes around inheritance.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
No matter how modest your estate may be, a will gives you control, clarity, and peace of mind. It protects your loved ones, ensures your wishes are followed and prevents unnecessary hardship during a time of grief.
Think of it not as a document about death — but as a thoughtful gift to the people you care about most.
Ready to write your will?
If you’re ready to take the next step, speaking with a solicitor can help you understand your options and ensure your will is legally valid and reflects your wishes.
Get professional help making a will in the UK from the experienced team at Burt Brill & Cardens Solicitors based in Brighton. They can offer you legal advice wherever you are in the UK or if you are an ex-pat living abroad.
