Young, Unmarried, or Just Bought a Home? Why You Still Need a Will

Whether you’re married, are in a civil partnership, have children, or are currently single, a Will ensures that your estate is dealt with according to your wishes as opposed to under the rigid rules of intestacy.

Without a valid Will:

• Unmarried partners have no legal right to inherit
• The wrong people may end up administering or benefiting from your estate
• Children could be left without nominated guardians which may result in Court applications.
• Stepchildren are excluded by default
• Digital assets (such as online accounts or crypto) may be lost or inaccessible

A properly drafted Will gives you control over who inherits what, who looks after your dependants, and who is responsible for administering your estate.

Buying Property? What Will Happen To It?

Your home is likely your biggest financial asset and owning property should be a clear prompt to get your estate in order.

Some key questions to consider include:

• What happens to your share of the property if you die suddenly?
• Have you arranged life insurance or mortgage protection to support your family?
• If you co-own your property, is it as joint tenants or tenants-in-common?

The legal structure of property ownership matters, and a Will ensures your intentions are set out and can be followed.

Living Together? The Law Doesn’t Automatically Protect You

Cohabiting couples are the fastest-growing family type in the UK, with over 3.6 million people currently living together. Among 25 – 40-year-olds, living together without marrying is now more common than formal relationships.

But cohabitees have no automatic legal rights under the law of intestacy (even if you’ve been together for years or have children).

Without a Will:

• A surviving partner may not inherit anything
• They could be forced to leave the family home
• They may have no say in funeral decisions
• Inheritance disputes may arise with extended family

A Will can offer the legal protections that cohabiting partners do not otherwise have.

You Have More Digital Assets Than You Think

From crypto and PayPal balances to social media accounts and online subscriptions, digital assets are often overlooked but they can have significant personal or financial value.

Without specific planning:

• Loved ones may be unable to access important accounts
• Cryptocurrency can potentially be permanently lost
• Social media profiles may remain online indefinitely without management or closure

Your Will can include instructions for digital assets, ensuring they are dealt with in line with your wishes and don’t disappear into the void.

Don’t Let Common Myths Stop You

Many people delay estate planning due to common misconceptions. Here’s the reality:

• “It’s too expensive.” Basic Wills are relatively affordable. For example, our fee for a single Will is £450 plus VAT, or £800 plus VAT for mirror Wills (typically for couples making Wills on similar terms). The cost of not having a Will in time, stress, and legal fees can be far greater.
• “I don’t have enough assets to need one.” Estate planning isn’t just about wealth. It’s about legal clarity, protecting your family, and ensuring your voice is heard when it matters most.
• “I’m too young to worry about this.” Life is unpredictable. Making a Will now avoids crisis decisions later and gives peace of mind that you’re prepared not because something is wrong, but because everything is going right.

Estate planning is about control, not just contingency. It’s a practical step for anyone looking to protect their family, home, and future.

For More Information

If you would like to learn more about Wills or discuss your individual circumstances, please contact our experienced Private Client team on 01708 229 444.