Why you need a will, even if you're young
If you die without a will in England and Wales, the law decides who gets your things. This is called dying intestate, and it rarely matches what you actually want.
Without a will
- • Your unmarried partner gets nothing (even if you've been together 20 years)
- • Your parents might inherit instead of your partner
- • The government decides who looks after your kids
- • Your crypto/digital assets might be lost forever
- • Your estate could be stuck in legal limbo for months
A will lets you control exactly what happens. It is not about being old or sick — it is about being organised.
What to include in your will
Executors
People who will carry out your wishes. Choose someone you trust who can handle admin. Name a backup in case your first choice can't do it.
Beneficiaries
Who gets what. Be specific: "My sister Sarah Smith gets my car" not "my sister gets some stuff."
Guardians (if you have kids)
Who will look after children under 18 if you die. Essential for parents. Discuss with the guardians first—don't surprise them.
Modern assets to include
- • Cryptocurrency: Wallet addresses and access instructions (store private keys separately)
- • Social media: Instructions for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter accounts
- • Digital businesses: Domain names, websites, online stores
- • Cloud storage: Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox contents
- • NFTs: Digital collectibles and art
The legal requirements (Wills Act 1837)
For your will to be legally valid in England and Wales, it must meet these requirements:
You must be 18+
Exceptions: Armed forces members can write wills at any age
A written document
Typed or handwritten. A video will is not valid.
You sign it
Your signature must be at the end of the will
2 witnesses present
They must watch you sign. They must both be present at the same time.
Witnesses sign
After you sign, both witnesses sign in your presence
Witnesses are independent
Witnesses (and their spouses) can't be beneficiaries
Witness rules, and they matter
- • Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries (or married to beneficiaries)
- • If a beneficiary witnesses, they lose their inheritance
- • Use friends, colleagues or neighbours — not family members who are getting anything
- • Witnessing must be in person. The temporary video-witnessing rule brought in during the pandemic expired on 31 January 2024
Three ways to write your will
Option one: an online will service
RecommendedModern platforms like Exit State guide you through questions and generate a legally valid will instantly. Free to build, £79 to download and unlock.
Pros
- • Fast (15-30 minutes)
- • Affordable (free to build, £79 to unlock)
- • Guided process
- • Easy to update
Cons
- • Not for complex estates
- • No personalised legal advice
Option two: a solicitor
Traditional face-to-face service with qualified solicitors.
Pros
- • Personalized legal advice
- • Complex estates handled
- • Tax planning included
Cons
- • Expensive (£200-500+)
- • Slow (weeks/months)
- • Requires in-person meetings
Option three: a free template
Free templates from GOV.UK or charity websites.
Pros
- • Free
- • Total control
Cons
- • No guidance
- • Easy to make mistakes
- • Risk of invalid will
Seven common will-writing mistakes
1. Beneficiary witnesses the will
They lose their entire inheritance. Never let someone who's getting something witness your signature.
2. Not updating after major life events
Marriage automatically revokes your will. Divorce doesn't. Update after marriage, divorce, kids, house purchase.
3. Vague asset descriptions
"My car to my son" - which son? Which car? Be specific with names and items.
4. Forgetting digital assets
Your £50k in Bitcoin could be lost forever. Include wallet addresses and access instructions.
5. Not telling anyone where your will is
Executors can't execute a will they can't find. Tell them where it's stored.
6. Only one executor named
If they die first or can't do it, your estate could be stuck. Always name a backup.
7. Not storing it safely
wills can be challenged if they're damaged or altered. Store securely, not in a drawer.
Handling digital assets in your will
Most will services ignore digital assets. But in 2026, your digital life might be worth more than your physical assets.
Digital assets checklist
Financial
- • Cryptocurrency wallets
- • NFTs and digital collectibles
- • Online banking
- • PayPal/Stripe balances
- • Stocks on apps (Trading 212, Freetrade)
Personal and business
- • Domain names
- • Social media accounts
- • Email accounts
- • Cloud storage (photos, files)
- • Digital businesses/websites
- • Subscriptions to cancel
A warning about crypto wallets
Do not put your crypto private keys directly in your will. Wills become public during probate. Instead, include instructions on where to find the keys (e.g., "Private keys stored in safe deposit box at Lloyds Bank, King's Cross branch").
How much does a will cost?
Online services
£0–£79
Time: 15-30 mins
Best for: Most people
Solicitors
£200-500+
Time: 2-6 weeks
Best for: Complex estates
Free templates
Free
Time: 1-2 hours
Best for: Very simple estates
After you write your will
1. Get it witnessed properly
Two independent adults (not beneficiaries). All three of you must be physically present together when you sign. Video witnessing was allowed temporarily during the pandemic; that provision expired on 31 January 2024.
2. Store it safely
- Fireproof safe at home
- Solicitor's office
- Bank safe deposit box
- Will storage service (e.g., Certainty, National Will Register)
3. Tell your executors
They need to know where to find it. Give them a sealed copy or tell them the exact location.
4. Review every 5 years (or after major life events)
Marriage, divorce, kids, house purchase, significant wealth change — all require an update.