Sharp Decline in Will Writing Across the UK: Legal Risks for Families

Fewer than four in ten adults in the UK now have a Will, according to new research that warns of the growing risks families face when a loved one dies without leaving formal instructions about how their estate should be divided. This decline in Will writing across the UK is raising serious concerns about the legal and emotional consequences for families left behind.

The National Wills Report 2025, published by The National Will Register, found that just 37% of UK adults have written a Will – a sharp fall from around 50% in previous years. The findings suggest that while people are increasingly comfortable talking about death, they are still failing to take the practical steps needed to protect their families.
The survey of more than 2,000 people found that younger generations are particularly unprepared.
Only one in five 18- to 24-year-olds have made a Will, compared with over half of those aged 55 and above. Although a third of adults say they plan to write a Will within the next year, researchers warn that good intentions rarely turn into action.

Why So Many Adults Still Don’t Have a Will

A lack of knowledge and confidence remains a major barrier. One in four respondents said they simply didn’t know how to make a Will, while others were worried about getting it wrong. Most of those who have made one relied on professional help rather than DIY templates, reflecting a clear preference for expert guidance.

Even when Wills are written, many are never found. Nearly a third of people with a Will haven’t told anyone where it is kept, and half of adults don’t know where their parents’ Wills are. The report warns that these “shadow Wills” can leave families searching desperately for vital documents at a time of grief and confusion.

What Happens if You Don’t Make a Will

If you die without a valid Will, your estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy, which set out a strict legal order of who inherits what. That may not reflect your wishes. For example, unmarried partners are not automatically entitled to inherit, and stepchildren have no automatic right to a share unless they are specifically included.

Without a Will, your loved ones could also face delays, legal disputes and unexpected costs. Arguments between relatives are common when no clear instructions exist, and some estates can remain unsettled for months or even years.

A Will allows you to decide who should inherit your home, savings and personal possessions. It can also name guardians for your children, make gifts to charity, and simplify the work of those left to handle your affairs.

Why Legal Advice Matters

Taking the simple step of contacting a solicitor to make a Will can spare your loved ones from uncertainty and ensure your final wishes are carried out exactly as you intend.

Please contact us if you would like more information about making a Will or any aspect of Wills and probate. We’re a firm of solicitors based in Luton and Berkhamsted. Our specialist lawyers will guide you through the process to understand your particular wishes and find the most practical way to reflect them in your Will.

About The Author

Lucy is a solicitor in Machins Solicitors’ Private Client team, advising clients on Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Probate matters. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Law from the University of Liverpool and a Master’s in Law from the University of Law where she received a Distinction. Lucy joined Machins in 2024 and is recognised as a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 2026.