Wills for Young Adults
When it comes to Wills for young adults, there is a misconception that there’s no rush. While it’s true that older people are more likely to need a Will sooner, nobody is guaranteed a tomorrow. With all the uncertainty in the world right now, Wills for young adults have never been more important.
"I Don't Need a Will, Right?" Wrong! Why Wills for Young Adults are Important
If you're between 18 and 30, making a Will might be the last thing on your mind. You’re focused on building your career, travelling, maybe renting your first place, or buying your first home. You might not even think you own anything valuable enough to bother writing a Will.
But here’s the reality - a Will isn’t just about money or property. It’s about control. If something unexpected happens to you (which, let’s be honest, none of us like to think about), the law decides who gets to make big decisions about your possessions. That includes your funeral arrangements, and even your online accounts. And the law might not choose the people you’d want to be in charge.
So let’s break it down. What actually happens if you don’t have a Will? And why are Wills for young adults important, even if you don’t have a fortune stashed away?
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
In the UK, if you die without a Will, the rules of intestacy kick in. These are strict laws that dictate who inherits your assets and who makes decisions about your affairs. Spoiler - they don’t take personal relationships, best friends, or long-term partners into account.
Here’s the hierarchy of who gets to make decisions and inherit your estate if you die without a will:
1. Spouse or Civil Partner without children – The spouse/civil partner gets everything (even if you were separated but not legally divorced).
2. Spouse or Civil Partner with children – If the estate is valued at more than £322,000, it is divided between the spouse/civil partner and children (all personal property goes to the spouse/civil partner, as well as the first £322,000 and half the remainder, The children get the other half). If the estate is less than £322,000, the children don’t inherit.
3. Children (or grandchildren) – If you don’t have a living spouse or civil partner but have kids or grandkids, they inherit everything.
4. Parents – If you have no spouse or children, your parents inherit your estate (even if you’re not close to them).
5. Siblings – If your parents aren’t around, your estate goes to your brothers and sisters.
6. Half-siblings – If you don’t have full siblings, half-siblings inherit next.
7. Grandparents – If none of the above exist, your grandparents are next in line.
8. Aunts & Uncles – Followed by cousins if no other relatives exist.
9. The Government – If there are no surviving relatives, your entire estate goes to the Crown. Yes, really.
Who’s Left Out?
It might surprise you to know that the people who may be the most important to you wouldn’t even be considered if you died intestate (without a Will).
Unmarried partners don’t get a say at all. Even if you’ve lived together for years, they get nothing under intestacy rules. The same goes for best friends – legally these people are nothing to you, even if they’ve seen you through your darkest days. Stepsiblings or step-parents are not legally recognised either. Unless you were adopted by your step-parent, in which case, they’re treated as a parent.
Your chosen charities also don’t benefit if you don’t have a Will. If you wanted to leave money to a cause you care about, intestacy rules won’t do it for you.
More Than Just Money – What Else Does a Will Do?
A Will isn’t just about passing down money and property. Here are the questions that Wills for young adults answer:
1. Who Arranges Your Funeral?
Without a Will, your closest legal relative (not necessarily your closest emotional relative) has the right to plan your funeral. If you’d rather a best friend or partner make those choices, you need a Will to name them.
2. Who Gets Your Personal Belongings?
Think about sentimental items – your favourite guitar, your gaming setup, or even the trainers you spent months tracking down. Without a Will, these might go to a distant relative rather than someone who would appreciate them.
3. What Happens to Your Pets?
Your dog, cat, or even pet snake isn’t automatically given to your best mate. They could end up with a relative who doesn’t want them. Or, worse, in a shelter. A Will lets you choose who takes care of them.
4. Who Can Access Your Digital Life?
Wills for young adults can specify what happens to your social media, digital assets (like cryptocurrency or online businesses), and even who has the right to close your accounts.
5. Who Inherits Any Future Wealth?
Even if you don’t have much now, you might in the future. You may find that you have a steadily growing savings account. Investments may become a part of your savings plan, meaning you have expanding capital in stocks and bonds. Or even something as unexpected as compensation payments can see you receive a windfall. A Will ensures that whatever you build over time goes where you want it to.
"I’ll Do It Later..." But When Is Later?
Life is unpredictable and waiting until you’re "older" isn’t a great strategy. Wills for young adults offer protection from the get-go.
You can make a simple Will now and update it later as your life changes. That’s what Update Your Will Week 2025 is all about. Plus, making a Will now takes less than an hour with a solicitor and that’s no time at all for your peace of mind. Wills for young adults cost far less than the problems they prevent for your loved ones. And, ultimately, it puts you in control of your own life and legacy.
How to Make Wills for Young Adults (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
Making a Will is a lot simpler than you imagine. Firstly, make a list of what matter most to you. Think about your belongings, sentimental items, and your digital life. Then decide who gets what. This includes possessions, money, and who should look after your pets.
Once you’ve done those things, you can choose an Executor. This is the person who carries out your wishes. It could be a trusted friend, partner, or professional. Now it’s time to write your Will. You can do this with the guidance of an expert solicitor. We would always recommend seeking legal advice for legal accuracy and peace of mind. The last thing you want, should the worst happen, is for your Will to be ambiguous, easily contested or even invalid!
Once you’ve ticked off the above tasks, you need to make a note to keep your Will updated. Whenever big life events happen, you need to update your Will. Anything like moving house, a new relationship, having children, or a new job needs to be considered.
Wills for Young Adults Help You to Take Control of Your Future
Making a Will isn’t about expecting the worst – it’s about making sure your life is handled the way you want. Whether it’s protecting your partner, making sure your pet is cared for, or ensuring your best friend gets your record collection, having a Will means you stay in charge of what happens after you're gone.
So, if you’re 18+, it’s time to take control. Making a Will is one of the simplest but most powerful ways to secure your wishes. And honestly? Your future self (and your loved ones) will thank you for it.
Got Questions About Wills for Young Adults?
If you have any other questions about Wills for young adults, we would be happy to discuss this with you. Call our team on 0113 320500 or email wills&@email
We can also help you with Powers of Attorney, Deputyships and Trusts.
