In today’s rapidly changing world, planning for the future has never been more vital. Yet, according to the National Wills Report 2025, only 37% of UK adults have made a will – a figure that has decreased in recent years. This means that the vast majority of people are leaving their family’s security and the fate of their estate to chance, risking confusion, disputes, and unnecessary financial and emotional distress at an already difficult time.
With many estates including a variety of assets such as private company shares, investment structures, pensions, international assets, or existing trust arrangements, estate planning is more important than ever to ensure that your carefully planned wealth is preserved for your loved ones.
The risks of not having a will are significant and wide-ranging, affecting not only the distribution of your assets but also the impact extends to the wellbeing of your loved ones after you are gone.
What happens if you don’t make a Will?
Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of Intestacy. These statutory rules often do not reflect modern family dynamics and ultimately they cannot account for your personal wishes, potentially leaving out partners, stepchildren, friends, or charities that matter most to you. Family members may find themselves embroiled in disputes, and the process of administering your estate will almost certainly become more complex, lengthy, and costly. The National Wills Report 2025 highlights that many families remain unprepared, with confusion and disagreements arising all too often due to insufficient planning.
The Benefits of making a Will
Creating a will puts you firmly in control of your legacy. It allows you to decide how your estate is divided, name guardians for your children, make specific gifts, and even leave charitable legacies.
Professionally structured Wills also enable the use of trusts to protect family wealth, preserve capital across generations, provide responsibly for beneficiaries, and mitigate Inheritance Tax liabilities. It can form a central part of a wider estate strategy incorporating lifetime gifting, shareholder agreements, and succession planning.
The report notes that 38% of wills now include a donation to charity, a growing and positive trend that reflects many people’s desire to make a difference even after their lifetime. Furthermore, 70% of respondents say their motivation to make a will is mainly to make sure their wishes about who gets what are followed—giving them peace of mind.
Making your Will accessible
Simply making a will is not enough. Alarmingly, the National Wills Report 2025 found that 29% of people with a will have not told anyone its location, creating so-called ‘shadow wills’ that may never be found when needed. Professional storage with solicitors or Will writers is common, but it is essential to communicate with your loved ones about the existence and whereabouts of your will to ensure it is accessible when the time comes.
Conclusion
Planning for the future is an act of care and a responsible stewardship. By making a will, you relieve your loved ones of uncertainty, safeguard your wishes, and ensure your legacy is honoured. Without appropriate planning, even substantial estates can be eroded by tax inefficiencies, delay, and dispute.
Don’t leave your estate and your family’s future to chance – seek professional guidance, make your will, and communicate its existence. Our experienced wills, probate and estate planning team advises individuals and business owners on efficient estate planning strategies and would be pleased to assist you in safeguarding your wealth for future generations.