Many think wills are only for the elderly or the very wealthy — but the truth is, you’re never too young to make one. A will is simply a snapshot of your wishes today, and you can update or replace it whenever life changes: new home, new partner, new baby, or just a change of heart. Think of it as a living document, not a once-and-for-all decision.
Did you know… you don’t need a solicitor to make a will?
As long as it’s signed and correctly witnessed, it’s legal and binding. And once written, you can even store it safely with the Government’s Probate Service for just £23.
So why do so many people put it off? Often because it feels daunting, expensive, or wrapped up in legal jargon. The truth is: a will is simply your way of saying what you want, in writing, so that others don’t have to guess.
Start With What You Can Do
You don’t need to be a legal genius. Under UK law:
- Anyone can write a will.
- As long as it’s signed and witnessed properly, it’s legal and binding.
- You don’t have to use a solicitor (though there are benefits).
- Once done, you can store it safely — yes, there is a government service for this.
Where to Store Your Will (So It Won’t Get Lost)
- You can store your will (or codicil/VeryImportantNote) with HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) through the Probate Service. There’s a one-off fee (recently £23) and you’ll get a lodgement certificate. GOV.UK+1
- If someone dies, their will (if one is proved) becomes part of the publicly searchable probate records in England & Wales. So executors or others can locate it. You can use the GOV.UK probate search service. GOV.UK+2Probate Search+2
What to Think Through — Your Will Planning Checklist
Here are the things you should go through (in a relaxed but organised way):
- List your assets
Your house or other property, any vehicles, personal effects, pensions, life insurance, savings, investments. Estimate values. - List your debts or liabilities
Mortgages, loans, credit cards, any other obligations. Approximate amounts. - Who gets what?
Decide who inherits which assets. Match names to things. - Choose two executors
Pick people you trust—organised, dependable. They’ll carry out your will. - Have back-ups
If your primary beneficiary dies before you, state who should inherit instead. - Think about Inheritance Tax (IHT)
It often has to be paid within six months of death. If your estate isn’t very “liquid” (i.e. lots of property but not much cash), plan how executors will raise the money. - Personal items & sentimental gifts
Jewellery, heirlooms, family mementoes — if you want specific people to have certain things, say so (and think about leaving a VeryImportantNote to explain why) - Specific financial gifts
Money to individuals or charities. Be clear – make a note - If you died tomorrow …
Sometimes that “just in case” thinking helps you spot things you might’ve missed. - Letter of wishes
This isn’t legally binding (unlike the will), but you can include guidance or personal words This is a VERYIMPORTANTNOTE — maybe why you made certain decisions, or how you want your executors to behave. Also gives privacy (because a will is public after you die – NOTES ARE NOT). - Your final arrangements
Burial or cremation? Religious or non-religious ceremony? What sort of service or memorial? It helps enormously to write down what you prefer.
Why It’s Not Just Paperwork
- A proper will reduces confusion, delays, disagreement.
- It ensures your assets go where you want them to.
- Executors aren’t left guessing what you meant.
- Loved ones don’t have to rummage through boxes trying to find “that will you made years ago.”
Useful Government Resources
- Store a will with HMCTS (Probate Service): official guidance on how to securely lodge your will. GOV.UK+1
Search probate records / find a will: to see if a will has been proved, and to order a copy. GOV.UK+1
