Posted 22 Apr, 2025

Nobody wishes to think of their demise and what will happen with their worldly possessions and heirlooms following their passing.

Many people have the common misconception that making a Will is for the older generation and that they do not need to think about this. However, if we have learnt anything from the more recent years of pandemics such as SARS, Swine Flu, and the more recent Covid-19, the importance of having our affairs in order has become more prevalent. During the lockdown of 2020, press reports suggested that we saw Will writing increase by 30 per cent. People have become more focused on their wishes and are looking to support their relatives after their demise to make it easier for them.

It is widely reported that only half of U.K. adults have made a Will, with the rate of Will writing being slightly higher for men than women (57% of men and 50% of women). The statistics published by the National Wills Register in 2024 state that of this percentage, there are 41% of young adults who fall within the age bracket of 18–24-year-olds who have written a Will. Whilst the uptake of Will writing does, naturally as you would expect, increase with age, there is still a gap between those adults having Wills and those who do not.

Our Head of Private Client, Joanne, explores the importance of making Wills and the potential pitfalls of not having one in place.

Will writing should not be seen as morbid; it can be a positive experience to identify assets and nominate their beneficiaries—those they wish to receive their belongings, savings, property, jewellery, and even their precious family pets. Having a Will written will help your family, friends, and children to benefit after your death.

Making a Will sets out your wishes and ensures your estate passes to those people whom you wish to benefit, and prevents your estate from falling under the rules of intestacy and passing to people other than those you intended to benefit.

When asked why you should write a Will, Joanne suggests that there are a number of reasons why a Will should be made. In addition to the obvious choices as outlined above, there are some other key pertinent points that clients should be aware of:

  • Avoid family arguments and disputes – your family and other beneficiaries will have evidence of your wishes, clearly laid out, avoiding discussions amongst family over who should get what.

  • Make provision for your children – If you have children under the age of 18, you may ask yourself, "What happens to my children if I die before they become adults?" A Will can specify who you would want to look after them in the event of your passing when they are still minors (known as guardians). You can also make financial provision for your guardians to ensure they are able to financially support your children after your passing and do not feel burdened with the responsibility.

  • Help manage your Inheritance Tax – Every individual has an Inheritance Tax threshold of £325,000 (2025/2026 year). If your estate is in excess of this figure, then your estate may be liable to Inheritance Tax at the rate of 40%. Making a Will can help to manage the amount of Inheritance Tax you may be liable for.

  • Make provision for your funeral arrangements – A Will is also where you can set out what kind of funeral you may like - whether you wish to be buried or cremated, as well as things like choice of music.

  • Make provision for your much-loved family pets – People are very fond of their family pets, who are often key, integral members of their family. Having a Will in place allows you to set out provisions as to who looks after them and to set aside funding for vet bills.

When is the best time to make a Will?

There is never a perfect time to make a Will. However, Joanne says that you should make a Will at the earliest practical time possible. In practice, people tend to write their Wills during key milestones in life - like buying their first home (which can be one of the biggest financial outlays during adulthood), getting married or entering into a civil partnership, or having children. Alternatively, people are often prompted when they go through significant upheaval, such as the loss of a loved one or following divorce. These events can remind us that life can be unpredictable, and it’s a good idea to make provisions for the future.

Ultimately, it’s hard to know when, or even how, to leave assets such as a house to someone in a Will. However, it is wise to be proactive, as making a Will ensures your estate goes to the people you want.

Getting professional support when it comes to writing a Will means your money, assets, and possessions can be passed from one generation to another. Our specialist Private Client solicitors at Endeavour Law are here to help. If you wish to know more about the service we can offer you, then please call us on 0800 014 8521 or alternatively email info@endeavour-law.co.uk for a free, no-obligation quote.