Why you should have a will in the UK and what you can include in it

Having a will is a key part of financial and personal planning, especially for people living in the UK, where inheritance law can be very different from the rules in Poland. A will doesn't just set out who inherits your estate; it also expresses your wishes on many other matters. In this article, we explain why it's worth having a will in the UK and what you can include in it to look after your loved ones and give yourself peace of mind.

1Why should you have a will in the UK?

a) Avoiding intestacy (dying without a will)

If you don't leave a will, your assets and estate will be divided according to the UK's intestacy rules. This means your estate will be passed on under rigid rules that take no account of individual relationships or family circumstances, and it may not go to the people you actually want to provide for. For example, unmarried partners (couples who live together but are not married) have no right to inherit from each other without a will.

b) Protecting your family and loved ones

A will lets you set out your specific wishes and look after the people who matter most to you. You can name who will inherit your estate, providing for your children, partner or friends, and you can also set special conditions for younger beneficiaries, such as the minimum age at which they will be entitled to receive their full inheritance.

c) Saving time and money

Not having a will can make dividing your estate take much longer and can lead to higher costs for your loved ones. A will helps your estate to be settled more quickly and reduces the need for additional legal help, which can be expensive and complicated.

2What can you include in a will?

A will isn't just a document about dividing your estate – it can also contain other instructions that allow you to express your wishes fully. Here are the key things you can include in a UK will:

a) Dividing your estate and naming your beneficiaries

The main purpose of a will is to set out who receives your assets – this can include property, bank accounts, valuables and any savings. You can choose your beneficiaries freely – it's worth considering not only family members but also other people close to you, or charities you would like to support.

b) Choosing an executor

An executor is the person or organisation responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will, including paying any debts and dividing your estate. Choosing a reliable, responsible executor you trust is extremely important to make sure your wishes are carried out smoothly.

c) Guardianship of children

If you have children under 18, you can use your will to name the people you would like to look after them if you die prematurely. These provisions are binding and can help avoid difficult situations where family law might decide differently from what you would have wanted.

d) Setting conditions for inheritance

You can also set conditions for inheritance, such as the age at which your children or grandchildren will receive their inheritance. This is particularly important for young beneficiaries, so that the money isn't spent too quickly and stays in responsible hands.

e) Special funeral wishes

You can include instructions about your funeral in your will, such as whether you would prefer cremation or burial, or the type of ceremony you would like. This can make the arrangements much easier and remove any uncertainty for your loved ones at such a difficult time.

f) Other personal instructions

Some people choose to add other provisions, such as dividing family heirlooms, leaving valuable items to specific people, or setting out detailed instructions for their personal social media accounts or subscriptions. All of these can be included in your will to avoid problems for your loved ones.

3Why is it worth getting professional help?

Although you can write a will yourself, getting help from a specialist in inheritance law can protect you from mistakes and make sure your will fully meets the legal requirements in the UK. A properly drafted will allows you to set out your exact wishes, which will then be followed without legal complications.

Professional help is also a way of avoiding family disputes, which can arise from unclear wording or problems interpreting the document. A will prepared by a specialist lets you put all your affairs in order and ensures that your instructions are carried out exactly as intended.

Summary

Having a will in the UK is more than a formality – it's a way of showing that you care about your loved ones' future and of making sure your own wishes are fully respected. A will lets you put your finances in order, provide for your children and protect your family's interests. Whatever your age or financial situation, it's worth taking the time to make a will – it's a small step that can bring great peace of mind and security for you and those closest to you.

Thinking about making a will?

Get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help you prepare a will that meets all the legal requirements in the UK.