Erin Atkinson is among a growing number of young adults who recognise the importance of preparing a will, even though she is just 27. Despite the common perception that wills are only for the elderly or wealthy, Erin has taken steps to ensure her wishes are clear, allocating her £7,000 car to her sister, returning a sentimental necklace to her partner, and pledging financial support to an endometriosis charity.
A recent survey, the 2025 National Wills Report, reveals the generational divide in will-making: only 20% of people aged 18 to 24 have a will compared to 33% of those aged 22 to 34, with numbers climbing further to 56% for those over 55. Sophia Maslin, founder of Morby, an app facilitating online will creation, highlights that owning extensive assets is not a prerequisite for writing a will. She advises considering savings, social media accounts, pets, and funeral plans as components to include.
Erin’s decision was influenced initially by a home-owning friend and later solidified after encounters with Maslin’s TikTok discussions. These included the story of a young relative’s death without a will, complicating the inheritance process. Additionally, witnessing her own grandmother’s clear and direct will, which eased familial tensions, further convinced Erin of the importance of this legal document.
The Benefits of Planning Early
Legal experts underscore the functional advantages of having a will, regardless of age or substantial assets. Eleanor Hodgson, from Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors, notes that a will simplifies the process for someone tasked with managing a deceased’s bank accounts and debts. Without one, complex legal hurdles may arise. Maslin adds that life’s unpredictability makes early will planning a practical step.
Capturing Sentimental Value
For Erin, her will transcends mere financial considerations, holding sentimental significance. It details personal desires for her funeral, such as a specific poem reading or a preferred drink. Erin sees this not as morbid, but as a means of easing future burdens for loved ones.
Steps to Crafting Your Will
The process of writing a will need not be daunting or costly. Resources like Will Aid, which partners with solicitors for free will-writing services every November, offer affordable solutions. Key steps in will creation include:
- Determine beneficiaries: Specify recipients of your assets, such as family, friends, or charities. For parents, appoint guardians for children under 18.
- Select an executor: Choose a trustworthy individual or solicitor to oversee the execution of your will, bearing in mind any potential fees.
- Plan for pets: Appoint a caretaker for any pets left behind.
- Outline funeral preferences: Document wishes surrounding burial or cremation, along with choices for music and readings.
- Secure your will: Ensure it is stored safely, with a trusted person aware of its whereabouts to prevent complications during retrieval.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.