Do you need a Will? While not everyone needs a Will, most people benefit from having one. This guide explains when a Will may be important, who can benefit from having one and why a Will can help provide clarity, control and peace of mind for you and your family. 

It’s a fair question and one that doesn’t always have a simple yes or no answer.

But the truth is, whilst not everyone needs a will, most people do.

Understanding where you sit is what really matters.

When You Might Not Need a Will

There are some situations where a will may not be essential.

For example, if you:

• Have very limited assets

• Are single, with no dependants

• And your financial situation is straightforward

In these cases, the legal default (known as intestacy rules) may broadly reflect what you would have wanted.

That said, even in simple situations, a will can still make things clearer and easier for those handling your affairs.

Why Most People Do Need a Will

As soon as life becomes even slightly more complex, a will becomes much more important.

You’re likely to benefit from having one if you:

• Own a property

• Are married or in a long-term relationship

• Have children or stepchildren

• Have savings, investments, or a business

• Want to choose who inherits specific assets

Without a will, these decisions are made according to fixed legal rules — not your personal wishes.

Where Things Often Don’t Work as People Expect

Many people assume everything will simply “go to the right person.”

In reality, that’s not always the case.

For example:

• Unmarried partners are not automatically entitled to inherit

• Stepchildren are not included unless legally adopted

• The process can become slower and more complicated

This is often where families run into unexpected issues.

About Wealth — It’s About Clarity

One of the biggest misconceptions is that wills are only for people with significant wealth.

In practice, a will is less about how much you have, and more about:

• Making your intentions clear

• Reducing uncertainty

• Avoiding unnecessary stress for those involved

Even relatively modest estates can become difficult to manage without clear instructions.

A Simple Way to Think About It

If your situation is very straightforward, you may be comfortable relying on the default legal position.

But if you:

• Have people you want to provide for

• Want to avoid ambiguity

• Or simply prefer to be in control of what happens

Then putting a will in place is usually a sensible step.

Final Thoughts

For some, a will may not be essential.

For most, it provides clarity, control, and reassurance that things will be handled as intended.

If you’re unsure where you fall, taking a bit of time to understand your position can make all the difference — both now, and in the future.