Do I Need a Will?

The short answer: yes

If you're an adult living in England or Wales and you own anything of value — a house, savings, personal possessions — then you need a will. Without one, the law decides who inherits your estate, and it might not match your wishes at all.

A will is the only legal way to make sure your money, property, and belongings go to the people you choose. It's also how you name guardians for your children, reduce the inheritance tax your family might pay, and make the entire process simpler for the people you leave behind.

Who especially needs a will?

Almost everyone benefits from having a will, but it's particularly important if you:

• Own property — without a will your home may not pass to the person you expect
• Have children under 18 — a will lets you name legal guardians
• Are unmarried but living with a partner — cohabiting partners have no automatic right to inherit
• Have a blended family — children from previous relationships may miss out entirely
• Own a business — a will can ensure a smooth handover
• Want to leave gifts to charity — charitable legacies can also reduce your inheritance tax bill

If you're unmarried and living with a partner, making a will isn't just important — it's essential. Under the intestacy rules, your partner receives nothing.

What happens if you don't have a will?

When someone dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules — a rigid legal formula set by Parliament. These rules only recognise certain relatives in a fixed order: spouse, children, parents, siblings, and so on.

That means:

• Your partner could receive nothing if you're not married or in a civil partnership
• Your estate might be split in ways you wouldn't have chosen
• Distant relatives you've never met could inherit ahead of close friends
• The process takes longer and costs more for your family

We cover this in detail in our guide to what happens if you die without a will.

Common reasons people put off making a will

"I'm too young." Accidents and illness don't check your age. If you have any assets or dependants, you need a will regardless of how old you are.

"I don't own enough." Even modest estates can cause problems. If you have a car, savings, or personal 'chattels' you care about, a will makes sure they end up in the right hands.

"It's too expensive." Professional will writing is more affordable than most people think. At GetWill, a solicitor-reviewed will starts at just £150.

"It's too complicated." Modern online will-writing services guide you through the process step by step. You can complete yours in under 30 minutes.

"My family will sort it out." Without a legal document, your family has no say. The intestacy rules apply automatically, and disagreements can lead to costly legal disputes.

When should you make your will?

The best time is now. Life events that should prompt you to write or update your will include:

• Buying your first property
• Getting married or entering a civil partnership
• Having children
• Divorce or separation
• Receiving an inheritance
• Starting a business
• Retirement

Even if none of these apply yet, having a basic will in place gives you peace of mind.

How to get started

Making a will doesn't have to be difficult. With GetWill, you answer straightforward questions about your wishes, and our team of legal experts prepares a solicitor-reviewed will for you. The whole process can be done online, from the comfort of your home.

Your will is one of the most important documents you'll ever create. Don't leave your family's future to chance.