Why You Need a Will (And How to Get One Before It's Too Late)

Most of us prefer not to think about death. It's uncomfortable, feels distant, and — let's be honest — there's always something more pressing on the to-do list. But here's the thing: not having a will is one of the most common and costly mistakes people make, regardless of their age or how much they own.

The good news? Getting a will doesn't have to be complicated, expensive, or morbid. In fact, creating one is one of the kindest and most practical things you can do for the people you love. This guide will walk you through exactly why a will matters and how to get one sorted — without the legal jargon or the stress.

What Is a Will, Exactly?

A will (sometimes called a last will and testament) is a legal document that outlines what you want to happen to your belongings, money, and responsibilities after you die. It's essentially a set of instructions left behind for the people managing your affairs.

A will typically covers:

Who receives your assets (property, money, personal belongings)
Who will care for your children if they're minors
Who will manage your estate (the person called an executor or personal representative)
Any specific wishes, such as funeral preferences or gifts to charity

Without a will, these decisions are taken out of your hands entirely.

Why You Actually Need a Will

1. Dying Without a Will Creates Serious Problems

If you die intestate (the legal term for dying without a will), your country's laws decide what happens to everything you own. These laws vary, but they generally follow a fixed formula — and that formula may not reflect your wishes at all.

For example:

An unmarried partner you've lived with for decades may receive nothing
Estranged family members could inherit your assets
A close friend you wanted to leave a meaningful item to would have no legal claim
Your children's guardianship could be decided by a court without any input from you

The rules of intestacy are blunt instruments. They can't account for the nuances of real relationships and real life.

2. A Will Protects Your Children

If you have children under 18 (or any age, if they need ongoing care), a will is absolutely essential. Within it, you can name a guardian — someone you trust to raise your children if both parents are gone.

Without this written instruction, a court makes that call. They'll do their best, but they won't know that you'd want your sister over your parents, or that a particular family member would be the wrong choice. A will gives you that voice.

3. It Makes Life Easier for Your Loved Ones

Grief is hard enough without added legal complications. A clear, valid will means your family and friends aren't left guessing, arguing, or fighting legal battles over what you would have wanted. It reduces conflict, speeds up the process of settling your estate, and gives everyone clarity during an already difficult time.

4. You Don't Need to Be Wealthy to Need One

This is probably the biggest myth around estate planning: that it's only for people with significant assets. In reality, if you own anything at all — a car, savings, personal belongings, a digital account with sentimental photos — a will ensures those things go where you intend.

Even if your estate is modest, a will can prevent headaches, delays, and heartache for those you leave behind.

5. You Can Include More Than Just Money

A will can reflect who you are. You can use it to:

Leave a specific item to a specific person (a piece of jewellery, a guitar, a book collection)
Make a donation to a charity that matters to you
Express your wishes around your funeral or burial
Write a personal note or message to loved ones (though this is usually kept separate from the legal document itself)

Common Misconceptions About Wills

Before we get into how to get a will, let's clear up a few things that often put people off:

"I'm too young to need one." Accidents and illness don't check your age first. If you have a partner, children, or own anything of value, you need a will.
"It's too expensive." Writing a will can be very affordable, especially with modern online tools and services.
"Once it's written, I can never change it." You can update your will as often as you like. Life changes — marriage, divorce, new children, new assets — and your will can change with it.
"My spouse will automatically get everything." This depends on your country and circumstances, but it's not always true, especially for unmarried couples or blended families.

How to Get a Will: Your Options

Option 1: Use a Solicitor or Attorney

Working with a qualified lawyer is the most thorough option, especially if your situation is complex — for example, if you own property in multiple countries, run a business, or have dependants with special needs.

A solicitor can:

Ask the right questions to make sure nothing is missed
Ensure your will is legally valid in your jurisdiction
Store the original document safely
Help with broader estate planning, including trusts or tax considerations

The cost varies widely by country and complexity, but for a straightforward will, it's often more affordable than people expect.

Option 2: Use an Online Will Service

For many people with straightforward circumstances, an online will writing service is a practical and affordable choice. These platforms guide you through a series of questions and generate a legally valid document.

Some well-regarded platforms include:

Farewill (UK-based, also available in other regions)
Willful (Canada)
Trust & Will (USA)

Always check that any service you use is compliant with the laws in your specific country.

Option 3: Write Your Own Will

In many countries, it's legal to write your own handwritten will (called a holographic will). However, the requirements are strict — some jurisdictions require the entire document to be handwritten and signed, with no typed sections at all.

This option carries risk. A small error or missing requirement can make the whole document invalid. If you go this route, research your local laws thoroughly and consider having a lawyer review it.

Option 4: Use a Will-Writing Service or Charity

Some charities offer free or low-cost will-writing services as part of their fundraising programmes — often in exchange for leaving a gift to the charity in your will. Organisations like Age UK and others run such schemes periodically.

Steps to Getting Your Will Done

Take stock of your assets. List what you own — property, bank accounts, investments, valuables, digital assets, pensions, life insurance policies.
Decide who your beneficiaries are. These are the people or organisations who will receive your assets. Be specific with names and relationships.
Choose an executor. This is the person who will carry out your wishes. Pick someone organised and trustworthy — and ask them first.
Name a guardian for your children if applicable.
Draft the will using one of the options above.
Sign it correctly. Most countries require your will to be signed in front of witnesses. Requirements vary, but typically two independent adults who are not beneficiaries must witness your signature.
Store it safely. Tell your executor where it is. Consider registering it with a national will registry if one exists in your country.
Review it regularly. Revisit your will after major life events — marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets.

Take Action Today

You've now got all the information you need to stop putting this off. A will doesn't take long to create, it doesn't require a fortune to set up, and it makes an enormous difference to the people you care about.

Start simple: jot down your assets, decide who your beneficiaries are, and pick your executor. Then choose the route that suits your situation — whether that's a local solicitor, an online service, or a will-writing programme through a charity.

Estate planning isn't about being morbid. It's about being responsible, thoughtful, and generous with the people you love. The best time to write a will was yesterday. The second best time is right now.