Do I Need a Will? A Plain-English Guide for UK Adults

Most UK adults don't have a valid will. If that's you, the law — not you — decides what happens to your estate. Here's why that matters and how to put it right.

What happens if you die without a will?

If you die without a valid will in England and Wales, you die 'intestate', and a fixed set of intestacy rules decides who inherits. These rules follow a strict order of relatives and may not match your wishes — an unmarried partner, for example, inherits nothing under intestacy, no matter how long you were together.

Why having a will matters

• You decide who inherits, rather than a statutory formula
• You can appoint guardians for children under 18
• You can provide for an unmarried partner, stepchildren or friends
• You can name executors you trust to handle your estate
• You can make the process faster and less stressful for your family

What makes a will valid?

In England and Wales, a will must be made by someone aged 18 or over with the mental capacity to understand what they are doing. It must be in writing, signed by you, and signed in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign it. Getting the signing and witnessing right is essential — a small mistake can make the will invalid.

When should you get advice?

A straightforward will is well within reach using a good template. But if your situation is more complex — a large estate, business interests, property abroad, or blended family arrangements — it's worth having a solicitor review it.