What Type of Will Do I Need?
A Simple Guide for UK Families
May 2026
May 2026
Most people assume a will is a standard document, something you either have or you don’t.
But in reality, it’s not that simple.
There isn’t just one type of will that fits everyone.
The right approach depends on your personal and family situation.
That’s where a lot of confusion starts.
Life today is more complex than it used to be.
People often have:
Second families
Stepchildren
Property in joint names
Businesses
Blended financial arrangements
Because of this, a basic will doesn’t always reflect what someone actually wants to happen.
While there are many variations, most situations fall into a few broad categories.
This is usually suitable where affairs are straightforward.
Typically for people who:
Have a simple estate
Want everything to go to one or two people
Don’t have complex family arrangements
It covers the essentials — nothing more, nothing less.
2. Tailored Will
For when you need to add some personality to your Will
Your funeral wishes clearly recorded
Specific gifts of assets (e.g. property, jewellery, personal items)
Monetary gifts to individuals or organisations
Appointment of Guardians for children under 18
Naming of additional residuary Beneficiaries (who receives the remainder of your estate)
Inclusion of backup Beneficiaries for all key provisions
Often used by married couples or long-term partners.
They are:
Nearly identical wills
Usually leaving everything to each other first
Then to children or chosen beneficiaries afterwards
These are more structured and often used when:
There are children from previous relationships
You want to protect assets for future generations
You want to control how and when people inherit
They can help ensure assets are used in the way you intend.
These are tailored arrangements for more complex situations such as:
Business ownership
Larger estates
Multiple beneficiaries with different needs
Tax planning considerations
These are designed around specific circumstances rather than templates.
The challenge isn’t knowing these exist.
It’s knowing which one applies to you.
Most people fall somewhere between categories — which is why choosing the right structure matters.
Choosing the wrong structure can lead to:
Unintended inheritance outcomes
Delays or complications for family members
Assets not being used as intended
Additional legal stress later on
It’s not about overcomplicating things — it’s about matching the will to the reality of your life.
Instead of asking:
“Do I need a will?”
A better question is:
“What type of will best reflects my situation?”
Because the answer changes depending on your family, assets, and long-term intentions.
Most people aren’t expected to know this straight away — and that’s completely normal.
That’s exactly why a simple starting point can help clarify things.
“If you’re unsure what type of will may suit your situation, we’ve created a free 2-minute assessment to help you understand it better.”
👉 Wills and Estate Planning - Find My Will Type
A will isn’t just a document — it’s a structure for how your wishes are carried out.
And like most structures, the right design depends on what you’re trying to support.
Understanding the type of will you may need is often the first step toward making confident decisions about your future.