✿Petal & Paper
Home · Buying guides · Making a will UK guide
Buying guide

Making a will in the UK: what you need to know and why it matters

Over half of UK adults do not have a will. Here is why that is a problem, and how to fix it.

What happens if you die without a will

You die 'intestate' and the Rules of Intestacy determine who inherits — not you. Unmarried partners inherit nothing regardless of relationship length. Children from previous relationships may be overlooked. The estate can take significantly longer to administer. If you have children and no will, the court appoints a guardian.

What a will needs to be valid

In England and Wales: written, signed by you, and witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries or their spouses. A will made without following these formalities is invalid. Wills made online or with a solicitor are both valid if properly executed — the online option is significantly cheaper.

What to include

Who inherits what. Who is the executor (the person who administers the estate). Who are the guardians for minor children — the most important clause for parents. Any specific gifts (jewellery, sentimental items). Funeral wishes. Keep the original in a safe place and tell your executor where it is — record the location on our free important documents tracker.

Our picks compared

PickProductBest for
Top pick Solicitor will writing service UKProfessional will Check price →
Online Farewill online will writing UKOnline will Check price →
Folder Fireproof document safe homeSafe storage Check price →
Planner Estate planning guide UKEstate planning Check price →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown on Amazon at time of click.

Frequently asked questions

Can I write my own will?
Yes, technically. But homemade wills frequently fail due to witnessing errors or ambiguous wording, costing far more in legal disputes than a properly drafted will would have. A solicitor-drafted will costs £150–400 and is the most reliable option.
How often should I update a will?
After every major life event: marriage, divorce (a will is automatically revoked by marriage in England), birth of a child, significant change in assets, or death of a named executor or beneficiary.