Free Wills Month: why it’s time to stop putting off one of life’s most important decisions

Free Wills Month: why it’s time to stop putting off one of life’s most important decisions

Cameron Rueppel, Financial Adviser, Mattioli Woods

For many people, writing a will remains firmly on the ‘I’ll get round to it’ list. And yet, while we spend years building careers, accumulating assets and planning for our futures, too many people fail to put in place a document that could make a significant difference to their loved ones when they’re gone.

Free Wills Month provides an opportunity to address this issue, encouraging individuals and families to take control of their affairs and ensure their wishes are clearly documented.

Research from Will Aid suggests that 66% of UK adults either don’t have a will or have one that is out of date, leaving millions at risk of their affairs not being handled as intended. The findings also reveal common misconceptions around estate planning, with 17% admit they feel uncomfortable talking about death. A further 26% believe the process is too complicated. Among those who do have a Will, one in five admitted they’d never updated it at all, while almost half (45%) said they hadn’t updated it in more than four years.^[1]

However, the consequences of not having a valid will can be significant – when someone dies without a will, known as dying intestate, their estate is distributed according to legal rules rather than personal wishes. This can lead to delays, additional administration, and outcomes that may not reflect what the individual would have wanted. For unmarried partners in particular, the rules may not provide the protection many people assume exists.

A will is about far more than deciding who receives your assets. It can help provide clarity for family members, appoint guardians for children, minimise uncertainty during an already difficult time, and ensure key wishes are understood and respected.

Importantly, effective estate planning goes beyond the will itself. Loved ones are often left with the practical challenge of locating important documents, understanding financial arrangements, identifying professional advisers, and managing day-to-day administrative tasks.

The reality is that none of us can know what lies ahead. Taking the time to prepare today can provide invaluable peace of mind, both for ourselves and for those we leave behind.