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When is the right time to write a Will?

Life moves quickly. One moment you are celebrating a promotion or welcoming a new baby, and in the next, you are wondering where the years have gone.

Amid all the milestones and responsibilities, one task often gets overlooked – writing a Will.

It is not the most glamorous item on your to-do list, but it is one of the most significant.

Deciding when to write a Will can feel daunting, but the truth is, there is no perfect time.

There is only the right time for you.

A surprising lack of preparedness

According to financial services company Canada Life, only two-fifths (39 per cent) of people in the UK have written a Will.

For many, it takes a major life event like retirement, the birth of a child, or the loss of a loved one to prompt action.

What is even more striking is how unprepared younger generations are.

Among under 35s with children, just 15 per cent have made a will.

This raises a question: if not now, when?

Why write a Will sooner rather than later?

A Will is a way to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honoured.

Without one, the law decides how your estate is divided, which can lead to disputes, delays, and stress for those left behind.

Writing a Will early provides peace of mind.

It means your family won’t be left guessing your intentions, and you can take steps to safeguard their future.

Key life moments that signal it is time

Life has a way of nudging us when the time is right to act. These key moments often serve as a wake-up call:

Starting a family – Milestones such as getting married or having children can shift your priorities. Writing a Will ensures your loved ones are provided for.
Buying a home – A property is often your largest asset. Protecting it with a Will can simplify things for your heirs.
Retirement – As you approach this new chapter, ensuring your affairs are in order becomes more pressing.
Losing someone close – The death of a loved one often serves as a reminder of life’s fragility, prompting many to take action.

Don’t wait for the “perfect time”

While it is common to associate writing a Will with later life, the reality is that accidents and unexpected events can happen at any age.

Putting off this task could leave your family in a difficult position if the unthinkable occurs.

Creating a will does not have to be a daunting process.

Our expert solicitors can guide you through the steps, ensuring your wishes are clear and legally binding.

If you have not yet written a Will, take the first step today.

Contact us today for professional assistance with writing your Will. Protect your loved ones and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your affairs are in order.

Amy Hillson

Paralegal – Wills and Powers of Attorney

I started my professional career with Mander Hadley when I joined the firm in March 2021, having completed a Law Degree LLB (Hons) at Birmingham City University.