Why Everyone Needs a Will – Even If You Think You Don’t
Many people believe wills are only necessary for the elderly or very wealthy — but the truth is, a will is essential for anyone who wants a say in what happens after they’re gone. If you have children, own property, or want peace of mind, a will ensures your wishes are clear and legally protect what matters most.
Without a will, the law decides who inherits your estate — and it might not be the people you’d choose. A professionally written will helps avoid confusion, delays, and family disagreements during a difficult time.
Even if your situation seems simple, a will puts you in control. It’s not just about money — it’s about care, clarity, and making things easier for the people you love. It’s time to protect your family.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in the UK?
When someone dies without a will in the UK, their estate is handled under what’s called the “rules of intestacy.” These are a set of default legal rules that decide who inherits what — and they may not reflect your personal wishes.
For example, unmarried partners or stepchildren won’t automatically receive anything. Friends, charities, or causes close to your heart will be completely excluded. Even within families, these rules can lead to stress, conflict, and delays.
Having a will means avoiding these issues entirely. It gives you control over your estate and ensures your assets go to the right people, quickly and smoothly.
If you don’t have a will in place, now is the time to put one together — especially if you want to protect your loved ones and prevent unnecessary complications.
Updating Your Will – When and Why You Should Review It
Writing a will is an important first step — but keeping it up to date is just as crucial. Life changes fast, and your will should reflect your current wishes.
Here are some key reasons to review your will:
- You’ve married, divorced, or changed relationships
- You’ve had children or grandchildren
- You’ve bought or sold property
- Someone named in your will has passed away
- You’ve changed your mind about your wishes
As a rule of thumb, review your will every 3–5 years, or after any major life event. A quick check-up can save your family time, stress, and uncertainty later on.
Updating your will doesn’t need to be difficult — and you don’t always need to start from scratch. We’re here to help make the process simple, clear, and legally sound.
The Difference Between a Will and a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
Many people assume that writing a will covers everything — but that’s only half the story. While a will protects your wishes after you pass away, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) ensures that your affairs are managed if you’re unable to make decisions while you’re still alive. Both documents are essential for complete peace of mind.
What is a Will?
A will comes into effect after your death. It:
- Outlines how your estate will be distributed
- Names guardians for your children
- Appoints executors to carry out your wishes
- Ensures your possessions, money, and property go to the people you choose
Without a will, the law decides who inherits your estate – and that might not reflect your wishes.
What is a LPA?
An LPA applies while you’re still alive, if you become unable to make decisions due to illness, accident, or loss of capacity. There are two main types:
- Health and Welfare LPA – covers medical treatment, care, and living arrangements.
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA – covers finances, bills, and property management.
You choose someone you trust (known as your attorney) to make those decisions on your behalf.
Why do you need both?
Think of your will and LPA as a complete protection plan:
- Your will takes care of your loved ones after you’re gone.
- Your LPA protects you and your wishes while you’re still here.
Without an LPA, even your spouse or children don’t have automatic rights to manage your affairs if you lose capacity — they’d have to go through the Court of Protection, which can be stressful and costly.
Conclusion;
A will and an LPA work hand in hand. Having both in place means your loved ones can make decisions smoothly, and your wishes are always respected — in life and beyond.
Ready to protect your future and your family’s peace of mind? Contact Westminster Wills today to arrange your Will and LPA package.
Common Will Writing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Writing your will is one of the most important things you can do — but it’s easy to make mistakes that cause confusion or even make your will invalid.
Here are some common will-writing errors:
- Using vague language that leads to disputes
- Forgetting to name a guardian for your children
- Not updating your will after big life changes
- Leaving out assets like digital accounts or pensions
- DIY wills that don’t meet legal requirements
A small oversight can have big consequences. That’s why working with a professional will writer is so important. We make sure your wishes are clearly stated and legally protected, so your loved ones aren’t left dealing with uncertainty.
Don’t leave your legacy to chance — get it done right the first time.
Why Every Parent Should Have a Will
Becoming a parent changes everything — including how you think about the future. Writing a will might not be the first thing on your mind, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your children and give yourself peace of mind.
1. Appointing Guardians for Your Children
If something happened to you before your children turn 18, who would care for them?
A will allows you to name legal guardians, ensuring your children are raised by someone you trust. Without a will, the courts decide — and that might not reflect your wishes.
2. Protecting Their Financial Future
A will ensures your assets are used for your children’s benefit. You can:
- Set up trusts to manage inheritance until they reach adulthood
- Choose someone responsible to handle their finances
- Make sure your money is used the way you intend
3. Avoiding Family Disputes
When there’s no will, emotions and uncertainty can lead to conflict among relatives. Having a clear, legally valid will removes doubt and helps your family at a difficult time.
4. Ensuring Your Partner Is Protected
If you’re not married or in a civil partnership, your partner isn’t automatically entitled to inherit — even if you’ve lived together for years. A will makes sure they’re cared for too.
5. Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
Knowing everything is in order brings comfort. You’ve made sure your children are safe, cared for, and provided for — no matter what happens.
Conclusion
Writing a will is one of the kindest gifts you can give your family. It’s not about planning for the worst — it’s about protecting what matters most.
Book your free consultation with Westminster Wills today and make sure your family’s future is secure.et it done right the first time.
Digital Assets and Your Will: What Happens to Your Online Life When You Die?
In today’s world, most of us have more online accounts than we realise — from social media and email to online banking, cloud photo storage, loyalty points and even digital subscriptions. These “digital assets” form an important part of your life, yet they are often forgotten when people write their Will.
Making sure they’re included can save your loved ones a huge amount of stress and ensure nothing important is lost.
In today’s world, most of us have more online accounts than we realise — from social media and email to online banking, cloud photo storage, loyalty points and even digital subscriptions. These “digital assets” form an important part of your life, yet they are often forgotten when people write their Will.
Making sure they’re included can save your loved ones a huge amount of stress and ensure nothing important is lost.
What Counts as a Digital Asset?
A digital asset is anything you own, access, or store online. Common examples include:
- Email accounts
- Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn)
- Cloud photo storage (iCloud, Google Photos, Dropbox)
- Online banking and investment accounts
- Loyalty points and rewards (Nectar, Tesco Clubcard, Avios etc.)
- Digital purchases such as eBooks, music and apps
- Personal websites or domains
- Online business accounts
While some things have financial value, others hold huge sentimental value — especially photos and messages that family would want to keep.
Why Digital Assets Matter in Your Will
If your Will doesn’t mention your digital assets, the people dealing with your estate may face difficulties accessing accounts or knowing what exists at all.
Including them helps to:
- Protect sentimental items, such as treasured photos
- Ensure your online finances are dealt with correctly
- Prevent identity theft
- Make things easier for your executors
- Avoid accounts being lost, locked, or left open
It also allows you to decide what happens to your online presence — for example, whether you want a social media profile memorialised or removed.
What Happens If You Don’t Include Digital Assets?
- Accounts may stay active indefinitely
- Family may be unable to access important documents or photos
- Loyalty points or online credits may be lost
- Subscriptions can continue charging your estate
- Social media accounts may be hacked or impersonated
In some cases, companies will only release information with a court order, which can be a long and stressful process for your loved ones.
How to Include Digital Assets in Your Will
A Will writer can help you create a Digital Assets Memorandum — a simple document listing your online accounts and what you’d like to happen to each one. This document doesn’t list passwords for security reasons, but it provides clear guidance for your executors.
Good practice includes:
- Keeping a list of accounts (but not passwords)
- Storing login details securely in a password manager
- Updating your list every time something changes
- Being clear about your wishes for each account
This ensures everything is handled safely, respectfully, and according to your wishes.
Keeping Your Digital Assets Secure
Security is important. Never write passwords directly into your Will, as it becomes a public document once probate is granted. Instead:
- Use a reputable password manager
- Keep your instructions in a separate, securely stored document
- Tell your executors where to find it
Your Will writer can guide you through the safest way to record this information.
Finally
Your online life is just as important as your physical belongings. Including your digital assets in your Will ensures nothing is lost, loved ones have access to what matters, and every part of your estate is handled smoothly.
If you’d like help reviewing your Will or creating a Digital Assets Memorandum, Westminster Wills can guide you through the process with clarity and care.
Book your free consultation with Westminster Wills today and make sure your family’s future is secure.et it done right the first time.
Choosing an Executor for Your Will: Who to Pick (and What They’ll Need to Do)
When people write a will, they often focus on who gets what — but choosing your executor is just as important. An executor is the person (or people) responsible for carrying out your wishes, dealing with paperwork, and managing the practical side of your estate after you die. Choosing the right one can make the whole process smoother for your loved ones.
1) What is an executor?
An executor is the person you legally appoint in your will to administer your estate when you die. In simple terms, they make sure your instructions are followed.
That can include:
- finding and securing important documents (including your will)
- dealing with banks, utility providers, and organisations
- handling any legal steps needed (such as probate)
- paying debts and final bills
- distributing money and possessions to the people you’ve named (your beneficiaries)
It’s a role that involves responsibility, time, and organisation — which is why it’s worth choosing carefully.
What does an executor actually have to do?
Executor duties vary depending on how complex the estate is, but these are the most common tasks:
1) Locate the will and gather information
They’ll need to find the most up-to-date will, identify what assets you had (money, property, possessions), and collect key paperwork.
2) Value the estate
This means working out what everything is worth and what debts exist (for example loans, credit cards, or unpaid bills). This stage can be important for tax and for deciding whether probate is needed.
3) Apply for probate (if required)
Probate is the legal authority that allows executors to deal with certain assets — often needed when there’s a property, significant savings, or investments. Not every estate needs probate, but many do.
4) Pay debts, bills, and costs
Before beneficiaries receive anything, the executor must ensure debts and expenses are settled properly.
5) Distribute the estate and keep records
Once everything is dealt with, they distribute what’s left according to the will. Executors should keep clear records in case questions arise later.
Who can be an executor in the UK?
In the UK, your executor needs to be over 18 and capable of doing the role. Many people choose:
- a spouse/partner
- an adult child
- a trusted friend
- a professional (such as a solicitor or will writer, depending on what’s offered)
There’s no single “right” choice — it depends on your situation, your family dynamics, and how straightforward your estate is.
How many executors can you appoint?
You can appoint more than one executor, and many people name two (for example, partner + adult child). It’s also wise to name a backup executor in case your first choice can’t act when the time comes.
How to choose the right person
A good executor doesn’t need to be an expert — but they do need the right qualities. Consider someone who is:
- Trustworthy (they’ll handle money and important decisions)
- Organised (paperwork and deadlines matter)
- Calm under pressure (bereavement is hard, admin can be stressful)
- Available (it can take months, sometimes longer)
- Confident communicating (they may need to deal with beneficiaries and professionals)
It’s also worth thinking about practicalities. If someone lives far away or is extremely busy, they may find the role harder than expected.
Common executor mistakes to avoid
A few simple missteps can cause delays or complications later:
Choosing someone who won’t be able to cope
For example, someone who dislikes paperwork, is easily overwhelmed, or has their own health challenges.
Appointing only one executor with no backup
If they die before you, become unwell, or simply can’t act, it can create extra legal steps for your family.
Not telling them they’ve been chosen
It’s best to have a quick conversation so they aren’t surprised — and so they can say yes (or no) honestly.
Not telling them where the will is stored
Executors should know where to find the original will and any key information (such as account lists, policies, and passwords stored securely).
Professional executors: when might it be worth it?
In more complex situations, a professional executor can make sense — for example:
- blended families or risk of disputes
- business ownership
- significant assets or property
- beneficiaries who are minors or vulnerable
- situations where no suitable friend/family member is available
A professional may charge a fee, so it’s worth weighing up the cost against the benefit of reducing stress and avoiding mistakes.
Quick checklist: before you decide
Ask yourself:
- Do I trust this person completely?
- Will they be comfortable dealing with admin and phone calls?
- Do they have the time and headspace?
- Would a second executor or backup be sensible?
- Have I told them where my will is kept?
Final thought
Choosing an executor is about picking someone who can handle responsibility kindly and confidently — not just someone you feel you “should” pick. The right choice can save your family time, stress, and confusion later.
If you’re writing a will or reviewing an existing one, we can help you choose executors that make sense for your situation and ensure your will is clear, valid, and up to date.