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Wills

Make your legacy clear to the people who matter.

Making a Will

Caring for the people you love sometimes means facing things you’d rather not think about.

Like:

  • How will they manage when you’re no longer around?
  • Who gets to inherit your money, possessions and treasured items?
  • How should everything be shared out?

That’s exactly what a Will is for.

It’s a legal document that sets out who you'd like to receive your assets. It makes your wishes clear, so they can be followed when you’re no longer here to explain them. It can guide your family during an emotional time – and gives you reassurance right now, knowing everything’s in place.

The surprising part? Most people don’t have one.

  • Only 37% of UK adults have written a Will, according to the National Wills Report 2025.
  • And even when they’ve made one, many haven’t told their families where to find it.
  • In fact, 51% of younger adults surveyed don’t know where their parents’ Wills are kept.

The good news? You’re reading this – which means you’re already thinking about protecting your loved ones. Maybe you’ve got older relatives, like parents, who you want to support.

So let’s help you work out your next steps.

What happens if you don't have a Will?

If you die without making a Will, the Laws of Intestacy would apply. The exact rules depend on where you live in the UK. But in a nutshell, intestacy outlines how your assets and wealth are divided up.

The rules won’t consider your wishes. They won’t reflect which family members you’re close to (and who you don’t want to leave things to). It might cause confusion. It might even trigger family arguments.

How to make a Will

Making a Will doesn’t have to be complicated. Plenty of organisations can help you. However you do it, your Will must be signed by two adult witnesses who don’t stand to inherit anything.

Your Will should typically cover:

1) Who you want to leave things to

These are known as your beneficiaries.

You should include their full names, their relationship to you, and what you want them to have.

2) Your assets

Your Will should include all the key things you own - your home, car, savings, investments, plus valuable items like jewellery.

Pets count too, so it's worth saying who you'd like to look after them.

You should also add what's called a "residuary clause" - it will cover anything you haven't listed.

3) Guardian responsibility

If you have children under 18 (16 in Scotland), a Will is a chance to nominate a Guardian who would legally look after them. You can also name a back-up Guardian, just in case.

4) Any special wishes

Many people want to donate some of their wealth to a charity close to their heart.

Explaining this in a Will is a great way to make sure this happens.

5) The executor of your Will

We'll explain what this is next.

What is an executor of a Will?

The executor is the person who will carry out your wishes. It’s important to pick someone you trust. It could be a family member, a friend, or a solicitor.

  • Make sure they know you’ve chosen them, and where your Will is kept.
  • Clearly name them in the Will so there’s no room for challenge.
  • You can appoint more than one executor or name a back‑up if you prefer.

Can you write your own Will?

Yes – there’s nothing stopping you writing your own Will. It can be cheap and simple to do. It might suit you if:

  • Your situation is simple
  • You’re leaving everything to close family
  • You don’t need any tax planning support (for example, inheritance tax isn’t likely to be an issue)

But there are risks. You still need to make sure it’s legally valid – including getting the right witnesses. Using a professional usually means fewer mistakes and more protection if your Will is ever challenged.

For most people, getting professional support is the safer option – and it often costs less than you’d expect.

How often should you review your Will?

Life changes quickly – children and grandchildren, marriages and divorces, losing loved ones, shifting family relationships. So it’s important your Will reflects changing family dynamics.

That’s why it’s a good idea to review your Will every couple of years, or whenever something important changes. Keeping it up to date means it still reflects your life and your wishes.

Where can I get support writing a Will?

At Skipton we don’t currently offer Wills, but you’ve got plenty of options:

Will writing services are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Looking for free advice on your money?

If you're thinking about your other financial plans, book a My Money Review. It's a friendly chat where you can discuss your finances, ask questions - and get personal recommendations.

(Please note: we don't offer Will advice.)

My Money Review
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