New Year’s resolutions often focus on improving our health, finances, fitness and personal growth. But what about securing peace of mind for the future? While eating better, exercising more and saving money are all worthwhile goals, ensuring your loved ones are protected with a legally binding Will is just as important.
Writing a Will is one of the most responsible and empowering decisions you can make. It gives you control over how your estate is handled, ensures your wishes are honoured when you are no longer here and spares your family from unnecessary stress and uncertainty during difficult times.
Why So Many Put Off Writing a Will
Despite this, many people put off making a Will, assuming it is something to think about later in life. A recent survey has found that 56% of UK adults have not written a Will, meaning most people risk having their estate passed on according to Intestacy law, which may not reflect their wishes.
Many delay writing a Will because they assume they aren’t wealthy enough for it to matter or believe their estate will naturally go to the right people. However, without a legally binding Will, you have no control over who inherits your assets, and those you care about most could be left without the support they need.
Life is unpredictable, and having a Will in place offers security for you and your family, no matter your age or circumstances. Here are nine reasons why writing your Will is one of the most important New Year’s resolutions you can make in 2025.
1. Ensure Your Loved Ones Are Protected
One of the most important reasons to write a Will is to ensure your loved ones are looked after when you are no longer around. Without a Will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which may not align with your wishes. This means that people you care about, such as unmarried partners, stepchildren or close friends, could be left with nothing, while your assets are distributed strictly according to legal guidelines.
By having a Will in place, you can specify exactly who should inherit what. This is particularly important if you have complex family dynamics, own property or have savings and investments you want to distribute fairly.
2. Avoid Family Disputes
Disagreements over inheritance are surprisingly common, especially when a Will is unclear or nonexistent. In the absence of a Will, family members may have different expectations about how an estate should be divided, which can lead to conflict and even legal battles.
Setting out your wishes in a legally binding document helps to minimise these risks and gives your family clarity and reassurance during an already difficult time
3. Appoint Guardians for Your Children
If you have young children, writing a Will is one of the most crucial steps you can take to secure their future. A Will allows you to legally appoint guardians who would take responsibility for your children should anything happen to you.
Many parents assume their children would automatically be cared for by a close relative. However, without a legally recognised guardian, there is no guarantee that your preferred choice will be upheld, and the decision could be left to the courts.
Appointing a guardian in your Will ensures that your children are cared for by someone you trust, in line with your values, beliefs and parenting style. It also provides clarity and stability for your family, reducing the potential for disputes over who should take on this important role.
4. Minimise Inheritance Tax
A well-structured Will isn’t just about deciding who inherits your assets. It can also help reduce your inheritance tax (IHT) liability, ensuring that more of your estate goes to your loved ones rather than the government. Without careful estate planning, your beneficiaries may face a significant tax bill, potentially reducing the value of their inheritance.
By making a Will, you can take advantage of various tax allowances and reliefs, such as the residence nil-rate band, which allows you to pass on your home to direct descendants with a reduced tax burden. Additionally, leaving a portion of your estate to charity can lower the overall IHT rate applied to the rest of your assets.
Planning ahead gives you greater control over your assets and allows your beneficiaries to receive as much of their intended inheritance as possible.
5. Protect Unmarried Partners and Stepchildren
Many people assume that their assets will automatically pass on to their loved ones when they die. However, the law does not automatically protect cohabiting partners or stepchildren, if there is no Will in place.
Under intestacy law, only spouses, civil partners and blood relatives have an automatic right to inherit. This means that unmarried partners could be left with nothing, no matter how long they have been together.
By writing a Will, you can make sure your partner is provided for, even if you are not married or cohabiting. You can also make provisions for stepchildren or other dependents who would not otherwise have a legal claim to your estate.
6. Make Specific Gifts and Charitable Donations
A Will allows you to leave specific gifts to people who matter most to you. Whether it is a treasured family heirloom, a sentimental piece of jewellery or a collection with personal significance, a Will ensures that these items go to the individuals you want to have them.
Furthermore, leaving part of your estate to charity can help reduce inheritance tax liability as donations to registered charities are exempt from inheritance tax. If you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, it can lower the inheritance tax rate on the rest of your estate. Additionally, your Will can include provisions for your pet, ensuring they are cared for by a trusted individual and have the financial support needed for their wellbeing.
7. Name Executors You Trust
When you write a Will, one of the most important decisions you make is choosing an Executor – the person responsible for managing your estate and ensuring your wishes are carried out after your passing.
By naming an Executor in your Will, you can appoint someone you trust to handle your affairs, from distributing assets to settling outstanding debts and dealing with any necessary legal matters. Your Executor should be someone responsible, organised and capable of making important decisions on behalf of your estate.
If you prefer not to place this responsibility on a family member or friend, you can appoint a professional Executor to manage the process impartially. At Elizabeth Middleton Solicitors, we offer expert estate administration services, ensuring that your affairs are handled efficiently and with the care they deserve.
8. Make Funeral Wishes Known
While a Will is primarily about distributing your assets, it can also serve as a place to express your funeral wishes. Although it is not a legal requirement, by specifying your funeral preferences in your Will, you can help reduce uncertainty and stress for your family. Many people worry about making the “right” decisions when planning a loved one’s funeral, and having your wishes clearly stated can ease this emotional burden.
9. Update Your Will as Life Changes
Writing a Will is an important step, but it is just as crucial to keep it up to date as your life circumstances change. Major life events, such as marriage, divorce, having children or acquiring property, can significantly impact your wishes and how your estate should be distributed. Without regular updates, your Will may no longer reflect your current situation, potentially leaving loved ones unprotected or causing unintended complications.
For example, if you get married, any previous Will you have made is usually revoked, meaning your estate could be distributed according to intestacy law unless you create a new Will. Similarly, if you divorce, your ex-spouse may still be entitled to inherit unless your Will is updated to reflect your new wishes.
Even if no major events have occurred, it is still wise to review your Will every few years to ensure it aligns with your intentions. The start of a new year is the perfect time to check whether any changes are needed, giving you peace of mind that everything is in order.
Make 2025 Count With Elizabeth Middleton Solicitors
Writing a Will is one of the most important resolutions you can make this year. It is a simple yet powerful way to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, your loved ones are protected, and any potential legal complications are avoided.
At Elizabeth Middleton Solicitors, we provide professional and compassionate Will-writing and estate planning services, ensuring the process is straightforward and tailored to your needs. Whether you are writing your first Will or updating an existing one, we are here to guide you through every step.
Contact us today and face this year with confidence, knowing your affairs are in order and your legacy is secured.
