The Myths That Stop People Making Wills

Only 40% of UK adults have a will, yet almost everyone needs one. Here are the most common myths that stop people:

  • “I'm too young†– Age is irrelevant; tragic accidents happen
  • “I don't have much to leave†– Even modest estates need proper planning
  • “The law will sort it out†– Yes, but probably not how you'd want
  • “My family knows what I want†– Verbal wishes have no legal weight
  • “It's too expensive/complicated†– Modern services make it simple and affordable

Every single one of these is a misconception that could leave your family in difficulty.

What Happens Without a Will

When you die without a will (intestacy), the law decides who gets what. Here's the reality:

If You're Unmarried

Your partner gets nothing, even after decades together. Your estate goes to children, parents, siblings – but not your life partner.

If You Have Stepchildren

They get nothing (unless legally adopted), even if you've raised them since childhood.

If You're Married with Children

Your spouse doesn't automatically get everything. They might only get half, or even less, with the rest split among children immediately – potentially creating financial hardship.

If You Have No Close Family

Your estate could go to distant relatives you've never met, or even to the government, rather than friends or charities you care about.

Your Children

The courts decide who looks after them, not you. This could be someone you wouldn't have chosen.

Is this really the legacy you want to leave?

Why Young People Need Wills

If you're in your 20s or 30s, you might think wills are for older people. Wrong.

You Probably Have More Than You Think

  • Car
  • Savings and bank accounts
  • Pension (even early-career pensions have value)
  • Personal possessions
  • Digital assets (social media, photos, cryptocurrency)
  • Life insurance from work
  • Share of rental property with friends

Life is Unpredictable

Traffic accidents, sudden illness, unexpected tragedy – these don't only happen to elderly people. Would your family know what to do with your assets? Who would get your pension? Who would have access to your digital life?

If You Have Children

This is non-negotiable. Who will look after them if both parents die? Without a will, the courts decide, and it might not be who you'd choose.

It's Cheap and Quick

For less than a night out (£89 with WillsConnect), you can have complete peace of mind in 30 minutes. Why wouldn't you?

Why Parents Absolutely Must Have Wills

If you have children under 18, making a will isn't optional – it's one of the most important things you can do as a parent.

Guardianship

Without a will, if both parents die, the courts decide who raises your children. This might be:

  • Someone you wouldn't have chosen
  • Someone who doesn't share your values
  • Someone who lives far away, forcing your children to move
  • Split between different people, separating siblings

Your will is the only legally recognized way to name who you want to care for your children.

Financial Protection

Your will ensures:

  • Money is held properly for children until they're old enough
  • Trustworthy people manage their inheritance
  • Funds are used for their benefit (education, care, needs)
  • They receive their inheritance at an appropriate age (you decide: 18, 21, 25)

Stability and Security

In the worst possible moment of their lives, your children deserve:

  • To be cared for by people they know and trust
  • Financial security
  • Clarity about the future
  • To know you planned for them

Don't leave this to chance. Make a will.

Why Unmarried Couples Must Have Wills

This is crucial: “common law†marriage does not exist in England and Wales.

The Shocking Reality

You could live together for 30 years, own a home together, raise children together – and your partner still has no automatic right to inherit from you without a will.

What This Means

  • Your share of the house goes to your children or parents, not your partner
  • Your partner could be forced to sell the family home
  • Bank accounts, savings, possessions – your partner may get nothing
  • They could be left in serious financial difficulty

Even Worse: If You're Not Married and Have Children

Your partner gets nothing. Your children inherit everything. Sounds good? Think about it:

  • Your partner might not be able to stay in the family home
  • Money is locked up until children turn 18
  • Your partner has no access to funds they need to raise your children
  • Financial hardship at the worst possible time

The Simple Solution

Make a will. Leave everything to each other, then to your children. Takes 30 minutes, costs £89, protects your partner completely.

Why People with ‘Small' States Still Need Wills

“I don't have much†is one of the most common excuses for not making a will. But here's why it doesn't hold up:

You Have More Than You Think

Even if you don't own property, you likely have:

  • Savings and bank accounts
  • Pension (could be worth £50,000-100,000+ even if you're young)
  • Life insurance (from work or personal policy)
  • Car
  • Personal possessions of sentimental value
  • Digital assets

Total it up – many people are surprised to find their estate is worth £50,000-150,000 or more.

Sentimental Value Matters

Who gets grandmother's ring? Your guitar? Your book collection? Without a will, the law divides everything based on monetary value, not sentimental value or your wishes.

Avoiding Family Conflict

Even small estates cause disputes. “But Mum said I could have that†becomes “No, she promised it to me.†A will provides clarity and prevents family fallouts.

Making Things Easier

Dealing with an estate without a will is significantly more complicated, expensive, and time-consuming. A will makes everything simpler for the people you leave behind.

The Real Cost of Not Having a Will

Emotional Cost

  • Family arguments over money and possessions
  • Guilt and regret about not planning ahead
  • Uncertainty and stress during grieving
  • Broken relationships between family members

Financial Cost

  • Higher legal fees to sort out intestacy
  • Court costs to appoint administrators
  • Potential legal battles between family members
  • Assets frozen for longer (months to years)
  • Possible forced sale of property
  • Money going to wrong people

Practical Cost

  • Months or years of delays
  • Complicated paperwork
  • Multiple court visits
  • Family members having to agree on everything

All of this can be avoided with a will that costs £89 and takes 30 minutes to create.

The Excuses Don't Hold Up

Let's address every common excuse:

“I'll do it when I'm olderâ€

Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. It takes 30 minutes now. Why risk it?

“It's too expensive,â€

£89. Less than a meal out. What's your family's security worth?

“It's too complicatedâ€

Online services walk you through every step with plain English questions. If you can fill in an online form, you can make a will.

“I don't know what to sayâ€

Services like WillsConnect guide you through every decision with clear explanations and suggestions.

“I'll do it laterâ€

When? Why not now? Start it today, save your progress, come back to it. But at least start.

“My family will sort it outâ€

They'll try, but without a will, the law decides, not them. Do you really want to leave them in that position?

What You Get from Having a Will

Peace of Mind

You know your family is protected. Your affairs are in order. You can stop worrying about “what if.â€

Control

You decide:

  • Who gets what
  • Who looks after your children
  • Who manages your estate
  • What happens to everything you've worked for

Protection

Your loved ones are:

  • Financially secure
  • Protected from unnecessary stress
  • Clear about your wishes
  • Able to grieve without legal battles

Legacy

You can:

  • Support causes you care about
  • Leave meaningful gifts to special people
  • Be remembered for your thoughtfulness and planning

Simplicity

Everything is clear, documented, and legally binding. No confusion, no arguments, no delays.

Take Action Today

You've read the reasons. You know it's important. So why are you still reading instead of starting your will?

It Takes Less Time Than You Think

  • 20-30 minutes with WillsConnect
  • Can be done from your sofa
  • Can save and come back if needed
  • Expert review included

It Costs Less Than You Think

  • £89 flat fee
  • No hidden charges
  • No ongoing costs
  • Much cheaper than the problems you'll cause without one

It's Easier Than You Think

  • Plain English questions
  • Clear guidance at every step
  • Suggestions provided
  • Help available if you need it

The Time is Now

Not next week. Not next month. Not “when I'm older.†Now.

Every day you delay is another day your family is unprotected. Every day without a will is a day you're leaving everything to chance.

Start your will with WillsConnect today. 30 minutes to complete peace of mind.