Over Half of UK Adults Do Not Have A Will In Place – Are You One of Them?
- ontargetmedia8
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Hannah Thomas, a Partner in the Wills & Probate team at Harding Evans Solicitors, tells us why it's important to make a will and review it every five years to protect your loved ones.
Having a Will in place is one of the most important steps adults can take to protect their loved ones and ensure their wishes are carried out. Yet research conducted by Censuswide and published in 2025 by The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, shows that over half (52%) of UK adults over 30 do not have a Will in place.
Specifying what should happen to your dependants, your possessions, your finances and even your pets after your death is arguably one of the most important things that you can do.
Hannah Thomas, Partner at Harding Evans Solicitors in Whitchurch, warns that not having a Will in place can have serious consequences for your loved ones.
“Without a valid Will, your assets may not go to the people you intended, and your family could face lengthy legal battles and additional emotional distress at an already difficult time. It could also mean that your loved ones face a higher inheritance tax bill.”
The research also showed that of the people who do have a will in place, 13% admitted that it needed updating.
Life changes quickly, so it is best practice to review and update your will every five years, or when a major change in your life occurs that impacts you or your loved ones.
This includes marriage or civil partnership, divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, the birth of a child, the death of a family member, or if you or one of your beneficiaries has obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate.
Reviewing a Will also provides an opportunity to reconsider the choice of executors and guardians. Over time, relationships, health and availability can change, meaning individuals previously appointed may no longer be suitable or able to take on these responsibilities.
Likewise, you may want to leave a gift to charity in your Will, be that cash or assets, and your priorities here may change.
While writing or updating a Will may feel like the last thing you want to do, it does not need to be a lengthy or daunting process. An up-to-date Will reduces the burden on loved ones, minimises the risk of disputes, and helps ensure that personal wishes are respected.
Ultimately, keeping a Will current is a practical act of care. By moving it off the to-do list, individuals can gain peace of mind and help protect those who matter most.
If you need to update your Will, or put a Will in place, the specialist Wills & Probate team at Harding Evans can be contacted on 029 2167 4274, www.hardingevans.com.
