The Quick Answer
You need a will if any of the following apply to you:
- You own property (even with a mortgage)
- You have children under 18
- You have savings, investments, or a pension
- You live with a partner but are not married
- You want specific people to inherit specific things
- You want to appoint guardians for your children
- You want to reduce inheritance tax on your estate
If even one of these applies, you need a will. The good news: it takes 15 minutes and costs from £69.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
If you die without a will (known as dying "intestate"), your estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules set by the government. You get no say in who inherits what.
Under the intestacy rules, unmarried partners inherit nothing — regardless of how long you have been together. If you are not married or in a civil partnership, a will is essential.
Intestacy rules in brief:
| Your Situation | Who Inherits Under Intestacy |
|---|---|
| Married, no children | Spouse inherits everything |
| Married, with children | Spouse gets first £322,000 + personal possessions + half of the remainder. Children share the other half. |
| Unmarried partner | Partner inherits nothing |
| Single, no children | Parents → siblings → half-siblings → grandparents → aunts/uncles → the Crown |
For many families, this produces results they would never have chosen. A will lets you override these rules entirely.
Who Needs a Will Most Urgently?
Unmarried couples
This is the single most important group. If you live with a partner but are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner has no automatic right to inherit anything. It does not matter if you have been together for 30 years, have children together, or jointly own your home. Without a will, the law treats your partner as a stranger.
Parents with young children
A will is the only way to choose who looks after your children if both parents die. Without one, the courts decide — and it may not be the person you would have chosen. Your will names guardians, removing any uncertainty.
Homeowners
If you own property, your estate is almost certainly above the threshold where intestacy rules could create problems. A will ensures your home goes to the right person, without delays or disputes.
Anyone with specific wishes
Want to leave money to a charity? Give a specific item to a specific person? Exclude someone from your estate? You need a will. Intestacy rules are rigid — they do not accommodate personal wishes.
Common Reasons People Put Off Writing a Will
Most people know they should have a will but never get around to it. The most common reasons are cost, complexity, and time. An online will service removes all three barriers.
- "It's too expensive" — ClearLegacy wills start at £69, compared to £300–£1,000 with a solicitor.
- "It's too complicated" — a guided questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. No legal knowledge needed.
- "I'll do it later" — 54% of UK adults do not have a will. The average person never gets around to it.
- "I don't have enough assets" — if you have a bank account, a pension, or personal belongings you want to go to specific people, you have enough.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| ClearLegacy (online) | £69 single · £99 mirror | 15 minutes + 24hr delivery |
| High street solicitor | £300–£1,000 | 1–3 weeks |
| DIY will kit | £10–£30 | Risk of errors |
Write Your Will Today — From £69
15 minutes online. Fixed fee. Legally valid in England & Wales. Delivered within 24 hours.
Start My Will — £69 →Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I write a will?
You can write a will from age 18. You should write one as soon as you have assets, dependants, or people you want to protect. There is no "right age" — the right time is whenever you have something worth protecting.
Do unmarried couples need a will?
Yes — this is urgent. Unmarried partners have no automatic inheritance rights under UK law. Without a will, your partner could inherit nothing, even after decades together.
Can I write a will myself?
Yes. There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor. ClearLegacy provides a guided questionnaire that produces a professionally drafted, legally valid will — no legal knowledge required.
How often should I update my will?
Review your will every 3–5 years or after major life events: marriage, divorce, birth of a child, buying property, or any significant change in your circumstances. ClearLegacy includes one free amendment.