60% of UK adults don’t have a will,

Wills aren’t just for elderly people, sick people or parents – they’re important for many adults, as unfortunately you never know when the worst could happen. There are many reasons why you should get a will, including:

• Saving your family stress: they may need to fill out extra paperwork and get legal advice if you don’t have a will – in addition to dealing with all of the other turmoil that comes with a family member’s death.
• Making sure your money goes to the right people: you’ll have no say if you don’t write a will.
• Appointing a guardian for your children: for parents with young children, a will is particularly important, as you’ll need to appoint a legal guardian. Otherwise the family courts will decide where your children go.
• Providing for children and step-children: putting money away for specific reasons, eg your child’s first car, and for specific people who aren’t direct blood relatives is only possible if you have a will.
• Leaving assets to your partner if you’re unmarried: unmarried partners won’t be entitled to anything when you die, unless this is specified in a will. Choosing an executor: to make sure that your plans are carried out when you die, you should appoint an executor you can trust.