Why Making a Will Matters More Than You Think

We all know we should have a Will. But for many people, it stays on the “to-do” list — often until it’s too late. Whether you think you’re too young, don’t have enough assets, or simply don’t want to think about it, the truth is this: making a Will is one of the most important decisions you can make for your future — and for the people you love.

Here’s why having a Will matters more than you might realise.

When someone dies without a valid Will, the law decides how their estate is divided — not their family. This is called dying intestate, and it can lead to results you never intended.

If you are unmarried but live with a partner, your partner will not be legally entitled to inherit from your estate. Personal items with sentimental value could go to someone who wouldn’t appreciate them. Depending on the size of your estate, your children could also become entitled immediately to a share, leaving less for your spouse and creating complications. With a Will, you stay in control and avoid these issues.

A Will is where you name guardians for your children if they’re under 18. Without this, the decision could fall to the courts.

It’s also a chance to leave meaningful gifts, recognise friendships, and explain your wishes for your funeral. These things can offer huge comfort to your loved ones at a difficult time.

When someone dies without a Will, sorting out their estate is much more complex. Families often face delays, extra legal costs, and stress at a time when they’re already grieving.

A clear, professionally written Will helps your executors manage things efficiently, avoiding confusion, arguments, and potential court involvement.

With careful planning, a Will can be used to reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax your estate pays. This could mean passing on more to your loved ones.

A solicitor can advise on tax reliefs, gifts, and trusts tailored to your circumstances, ensuring your estate is protected wherever possible.

Even if you already have a Will, it’s worth reviewing. If you’ve bought a home, married, divorced, had children, or lost a loved one, your Will might no longer reflect your wishes.

We recommend reviewing your Will every 3–5 years, or after any major life change.

At Symes Bains Broomer, we offer clear, fixed-fee pricing and friendly, expert guidance. Whether you’re writing a Will for the first time or updating an existing one, we’ll make the process simple and stress-free.