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.

Why “One Size Fits All” Doesn’t Work

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.

The Main Types of Will (In Simple Terms)

While there are many variations, most situations fall into a few broad categories.

1. Simple Will

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

3. Mirror Wills (Common for Couples)

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

4. Protective Wills

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.

4. Complex Estate Planning Wills

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 Problem Most People Face

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.

Why This Matters More Than People Realise

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.

A Simple Way to Think About It

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.

Not Sure Where You Fit?

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 

Final Thoughts

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.