How do I write a will and what should I include?

“I’m 58, with two grown-up daughters and a stepson with my partner. I’ve been meaning to write a will for years but keep putting it off because I’m not sure where to start. I’ve got a house, some savings, and a few personal items I’d like to pass on. My kids have suggested writing it myself to save money, but that sounds complicated. Any suggestions?”

David, Nottingham

Thanks for your email, David!

Making a will ensures your estate will be distributed according to your wishes. Without a valid will in place, your estate will be handled under the rules of intestacy - which may not reflect your intentions and could cause delays.

A will can make your wishes clearer to your family, and help avoid potential disputes. In your specific case, it's worth knowing that stepchildren do not automatically inherit without a will naming them as beneficiaries.

It sounds as though you've put off writing a will because you think it will be complicated, but it doesn't need to be. Will writing services are easy to find online and you don't need to spend a lot – costs vary, but simple wills often cost between £100 and £200. Will writing isn’t legally regulated in the UK, but it’s advisable to use a member of a reputable body such as the Institute of Professional Willwriters. For more complex estates (i.e. you are including property abroad, businesses or dependents with special needs), you may wish to consult a solicitor.

If you want to cut costs, you may want to look out for offers during Free Wills Month - you can find participating solicitors in your local area at the Free Wills Month website. Some charities also offer free will writing, although these aren’t always suitable and often have conditions attached (such as leaving a legacy to the charity in your will).

An alternative is to write a "DIY Will" using a template, although this is only usually advised for small, simple estates. DIY wills may be inexpensive, but be warned: the risk of mistakes invalidating them can be high. When in doubt, always consult a professional.

Before starting any formal process, I’d suggest talking to your family. They might offer to help you, have suggestions about the division of assets, or make requests to inherit specific items that are meaningful to them.

They may also help you decide who you want to act as the executors – the person or people who will be responsible for applying for probate (if required) and managing your estate. You can find out more about probate and executors here.

My final suggestion is simple: don’t delay, act now. It’s never too early to write your will, but far too many people leave it until too late. Peace of mind starts with a plan.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice. Details are accurate at the time of publishing, and no liability is accepted for any inaccuracies or future changes. Always seek independent advice before making financial, legal or medical decisions.