Why you need a will — even if you think you don't

Over half of UK adults don't have a will. Many assume they don't need one — perhaps because they don't own much, or because they assume their spouse or partner will inherit automatically. Both assumptions can be dangerously wrong.

What happens if you die without a will?

When someone dies without a valid will, they are said to have died intestate. Their estate is then distributed according to the rules of intestacy — a rigid legal framework that takes no account of your actual wishes, relationships, or circumstances.

Under intestacy rules in England and Wales:

• Unmarried partners inherit nothing — regardless of how long you've been together.
• Children may not receive what you intended, especially in blended families.
• Stepchildren are not automatically included.
• Close friends, charities, or non-immediate family members receive nothing.

The cost of not acting

Beyond the question of who inherits, dying intestate typically means a slower, more expensive administration process for your estate. Without a named executor, the court must appoint an administrator — adding cost and time at an already difficult moment for your family.

Contested intestate estates can cost tens of thousands of pounds and take years to resolve. Even uncontested estates typically take 12–18 months without a will, versus 3–6 months with one.

Common objections — and why they don't hold up

"I don't own much." Even modest estates can cause significant problems if distributed to the wrong people — or if the administration is expensive. A small life insurance policy, a car, or sentimental possessions all have value.

"My partner will get everything." Only if you're married. Unmarried partners have no automatic rights under English law, no matter how long you've lived together.

"I'll do it later." Most people intend to write a will eventually. The challenge is that "later" sometimes never comes. Creating a will takes 15 minutes with GetWilled.

The solution is simpler than you think

A basic will can be completed in under 15 minutes and is completely free with GetWilled. You name your beneficiaries, appoint an executor, and — if you have children — nominate a guardian. A solicitor reviews it for free before you sign.