Why Every Adult Needs a Will (And What Happens If You Don’t)

Daniel O'Malley
Sep 8
2 min read

A Will isn’t just for the wealthy or retired. It’s a practical document that protects the people and causes you care about, ensuring your wishes are followed with minimum stress and delay. Without one, the law decides who gets what — and that outcome might be very different from what you intended.

What a Will actually does

A properly drafted Will lets you:

Choose beneficiaries for your money, property, and possessions.
Name guardians for children under 18.
Appoint executors you trust to manage your estate.
Leave specific gifts (for example, family heirlooms or charitable legacies).
Set up trusts where appropriate (e.g., to protect young or vulnerable beneficiaries).
Express wishes around pets, digital assets, and personal items.

What happens if you die without a Will

Dying “intestate” means your estate is distributed according to legal rules — not personal preference. Key consequences often include:

Unmarried partners are not automatically entitled. Cohabiting couples can be left in a difficult position.
Delays and costs can increase while the family works out who should apply and what the rules require.
Children inherit at 18 (which may be sooner than you’d like).
Family tensions can escalate if expectations differ from the legal outcome.

“I’m young — do I really need one?”

Life moves quickly. Buying a home, having children, starting a business, or simply building savings are all moments when a Will becomes essential. It’s far easier to put a Will in place while everything is calm than to rely on loved ones navigating intestacy at a stressful time.

Triggers to update or create your Will

Marriage, civil partnership, separation, or divorce
New children or grandchildren
Buying or selling property
Starting or restructuring a business
A change in health or finances
Moving in together or changing relationship status

Common misconceptions (and the truth)

“Everything will go to my partner anyway.” Not if you’re not married or in a civil partnership.
“My family knows what I want.” Verbal wishes aren’t legally binding.
“It’s complicated.” With clear guidance, most Wills are straightforward — and the peace of mind is priceless.

Making your Will watertight

Use clear wording and the correct formalities for signing and witnessing.
Choose executors who are organised and willing to act.
Consider guardianship carefully and talk to those you’d like to nominate.
Keep your Will safe, accessible, and up to date; review it regularly.

Final thought

A Will is an act of care. It spares your family uncertainty, protects your children, and ensures your legacy reflects who you are.