Why should you make a will?
Put simply: everyone over the age of 18 already has one. Either you write your own will and decide what happens to your estate, or the Court decides for you under the rules of dying intestate. Given the choice, most people would prefer to have control over their own wishes, wouldn’t you?
One of the most common objections we hear is “I’m too young to write a will.” But sadly, none of us knows what the future holds. Every year, we see celebrities and public figures pass away without a will in place, leaving loved ones to face legal battles and uncertainty.
Just think of examples such as Caroline Flack and Chadwick Boseman. Both died far too young, and without wills. Did they truly understand the importance of making a will and ensuring their wishes were clearly set out?
Why is it important to make a will?
Take Caroline Flack’s case as an example. Dying without a will and without a spouse or children meant that her estate passed directly to her parents, but only after a drawn-out legal process to settle her affairs. Without her clear instructions, her loved ones have been left second-guessing what she would have wanted.
Making a will avoids this heartache. It means your family won’t be burdened with unnecessary stress at an already difficult time, and your estate can be distributed in line with your wishes.
Another objection we hear is, “I don’t have the time.” But in reality, writing a will is straightforward. At Heritage Estate Planning, we start with a no-obligation consultation to understand your wishes. Then we book an appointment to take your instructions — usually no longer than an hour. From there, we handle the legal details. All you need to do is review and sign the final document. In total, it takes just a couple of hours to gain complete peace of mind.
Where will your assets go without a will?
Many people assume their partner will automatically inherit everything if they die without a will. Unfortunately, this is not always true.
Here are some key points to be aware of under the laws of intestacy:
Married couples with children: If your estate is worth more than £270,000 (current threshold), your spouse will inherit the first £270,000 plus half of the remainder. The other half is divided equally between your children. This may not reflect what you would have wanted.
Children under 18: If both parents with parental responsibility pass away without a will, the Court decides who will care for them. Initially, this responsibility can even fall to Social Services.
Unmarried partners: There is no such thing as a “common law marriage” in the UK. If you live with a partner but are not married or in a civil partnership, they will inherit nothing automatically. At best, they may be able to make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 – but there is no guarantee of success.
Without a will, the distribution of your estate follows a strict legal “pecking order,” which may not reflect your personal relationships, priorities, or wishes.
Take Control of Your Future
Making a will is not about age or wealth, it’s about protecting the people you love and ensuring your wishes are respected. With just a couple of hours of planning, you can:
Decide exactly who inherits your estate.
Appoint guardians for your children.
Protect your partner if you’re not married.
Save your family from stress, delays, and disputes.
At Heritage Estate Planning, our professional Will Writing Consultants will guide you through the process with care and expertise. We work with you to ensure your wishes are granted, giving you and your family peace of mind.
If you’d like to know more about writing a will, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.
