Why You Should Make a Will

Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected after you pass away. Yet thousands of people across England and Wales still don’t have one.

At RJM Solicitors, we regularly help clients understand why a Will matters and how it can give them peace of mind about the future. Here’s why you should make a Will and what happens if you don’t.

1. Decide Who Inherits Your Estate

If you die without a Will, your estate will be distributed under the rules of intestacy. These laws decide who inherits what based solely on family relationships, not on your personal wishes.

That means:

• Unmarried partners and stepchildren don’t automatically inherit anything.

• Your assets could go to relatives you wouldn’t have chosen.

By making a Will, you keep control. You decide exactly who receives your property, money and personal belongings and in what proportions.

2. Appoint Guardians for Your Children

If you have children under 18, your Will lets you appoint guardians to care for them should you pass away. Without this, the court could decide who looks after them, which might not reflect your wishes.

Naming guardians in your Will ensures your children are cared for by the people you trust most.

3. Prevent Family Disputes

A clear, legally valid Will helps to reduce family disagreements after your death. Sadly, disputes over inheritance are becoming more common. A professionally written Will from RJM Solicitors can make your intentions crystal clear, providing certainty and preventing unnecessary conflict.

4. Minimise Inheritance Tax and Protect Your Assets

Having a Will is also a key part of effective estate planning. With the right advice, your Will can be structured to make the most of available Inheritance Tax allowances and exemptions.

Our solicitors can also help you consider trusts, which can protect assets for children, vulnerable beneficiaries or blended families.

5. Protect Unmarried Partners and Modern Families

Modern families come in all shapes and sizes. But under UK intestacy laws, unmarried partners, cohabitees and stepchildren have no automatic right to inherit, even if you’ve lived together for years.

A Will ensures your loved ones are recognised and financially protected.

6. Choose Who Administers Your Estate

In your Will, you can appoint executors the people responsible for managing your estate, paying debts and distributing assets. Choosing reliable executors makes sure your estate is handled smoothly and according to your instructions.

7. Peace of Mind for You and Your Family

Writing a Will gives you peace of mind that your affairs are in order and your loved ones will be cared for. It removes uncertainty, reduces stress for your family and ensures your final wishes are respected.

Don’t Leave It Too Late to Make a Will

Many people delay making a Will, assuming they’ll “get around to it one day.” Unfortunately, life is unpredictable and without a Will, your loved ones may face unnecessary legal and financial complications.

Making a Will in England and Wales is straightforward and with professional advice, you can be confident it’s legally valid and properly drafted.

Speak to RJM Solicitors Today

If you’d like to discuss any of the above, one of our friendly private client team are always available to discuss in more detail at no cost and with no obligation — so you can explore your options and get clear, practical advice about your estate planning. Call us 01685 373721 or email us on info@rjmsolicitors.co.uk