5 million people in the UK are confused by wills - how to get started

Many people feel confused by Wills, and you are not alone. Royal London found more than 5 million people in the UK feel unsure where to begin. That uncertainty can cause delay, and delay can leave your loved ones dealing with legal processes and emotional stress when you die. This guide explains what you need to know to get started with a Will, how to keep it up to date, and when to get professional help.

Why people are confused by wills

There are a few common reasons you might feel unsure. Wills sound legal and formal, and some people think they are costly or time-consuming. Others assume family will automatically know what to do, but if you die without a valid Will your estate is distributed under intestacy rules, not your wishes. For clear, official guidance on what happens without a Will see the government pages on intestacy at gov.uk.

Quick facts from the research

• Royal London found more than 5 million people feel confused by Wills.
• Many parents do not have an up to date Will; this puts guardianship decisions at risk.
• People who made a Will reported the process was quicker and easier than they expected.

What a simple Will covers

Your Will can do more than split money. Typical elements include:

• Who receives your assets and personal belongings, including cash, property and sentimental items.
• Who acts as your executor, the person who sorts the estate and applies for probate.
• Who will care for children if both parents die, a critical decision for parents.
• Funeral wishes, charitable gifts and any trusts you want to set up for children or beneficiaries.

Simple steps to get started

1. Make a list of your assets and liabilities, including property, bank accounts, pensions and debts.
2. Decide who you want to leave things to, and whether you need to protect assets with a trust for minors or vulnerable beneficiaries.
3. Choose an executor - this can be a trusted friend, family member or a professional.
4. Think about guardians if you have children under 18.
5. Contact a Will-writing service or solicitor to draft your Will, or use a reputable online Will if your affairs are straightforward.

Signing and storing your Will

You must sign your Will in the presence of two independent witnesses who are not beneficiaries. Once signed, keep the original safe. We register Wills for free with Certainty, the National Will Register, so it can be found when needed. You can also read official advice on making a Will on gov.uk.

When to update your Will

If you made your Will more than three years ago, or if you have had a major life event such as marriage, divorce, a new child, or significant changes in assets, review your Will. You should definitely update it if your circumstances or wishes change. If you have a Will with us we offer yearly reviews for clients who store their Will with Beneficial Family Wills.

When to get expert help

If your estate includes business interests, property abroad, complex family situations, or you want to set up trusts, get professional advice. We can help with will writing, trusts and probate, and we also advise on Lasting Powers of Attorney if you want to plan for mental capacity or health decisions.

Learn more about our services: Will writing, Trusts, Lasting Power of Attorney and Probate.

Ready to make a start? You can book a friendly, jargon-free appointment with our team or create an online Will if your affairs are straightforward. Create an online Will or contact us directly for personal support.

Contact our team on 01522 500823 or [email protected], or use our contact page to arrange a call.

Key takeaway: Making a Will is more straightforward than many people expect. If you own a home, have a family, or have assets to pass on, take small steps now and get professional help if your situation is complex. That way you control what happens, and you reduce delay, cost and stress for those you leave behind.