Writing a will is one of the most important financial and personal steps anyone can take. Martin Lewis, the UK’s trusted Money Saving Expert, consistently stresses that having a legally valid will is not just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s crucial for everyone. His expert advice demystifies will writing, emphasising easy steps to protect your loved ones and your legacy in 2025. This comprehensive guide provides clear, practical, and up-to-date information on will writing, costs, benefits, tax planning, and common pitfalls.
Why Martin Lewis Urges Everyone to Write a Will Early
Martin Lewis warns that many people wrongly believe they don’t need a will because they are young, single, or don’t have much property. Yet, without a will, the law decides how your estate is split — which can lead to unintended consequences for those you care about. For example, unmarried partners have no automatic rights under UK intestacy laws. Lewis emphasises that sorting your will is like life insurance—it’s not for you, but for those you leave behind. Early will writing brings clarity, peace of mind, and eliminates stress and conflict after your death. It also prevents delays and potentially costly legal challenges during probate.
The Fundamentals of Valid Will Writing
A will must be written, signed, and witnessed properly to be legally valid. Martin Lewis recommends using a qualified solicitor for the drafting or at least review of wills, ensuring the document meets all legal requirements. Although DIY wills may appear cheaper and easier, they carry significant risks of mistakes or ambiguities that can invalidate the will or cause dispute.
What Happens When You Don’t Have a Will?
Without a will, your estate is distributed under intestacy rules laid down by the government, which may ignore your actual intentions. For example:
- Your spouse and children automatically inherit, but unmarried partners can be excluded.
- Stepchildren or close friends may not inherit at all.
- Assets could go to distant relatives or even the Crown if no family is found.
Updating Your Will: An Ongoing Priority
Martin Lewis highlights that wills are not “set and forget” documents. They should be reviewed and updated every five years or following life events like marriage, divorce, birth of children, or significant changes in assets. Not updating your will can result in outdated instructions being followed, potentially causing family disputes.
The Role of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
Alongside wills, Martin Lewis advocates setting up LPAs—legal documents allowing someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. There are two types:
- Health and welfare decisions (medical treatment, living arrangements).
- Property and financial affairs (managing bank accounts, paying bills).
LPAs ensure decisions align with your wishes, preventing the need for court-appointed deputies. Lewis recommends arranging LPAs as part of your estate planning.
Cost-Effective Will Writing Options
Free and Cheap Will Services
Every year, events like Free Wills Month offer opportunities for people to have wills professionally written at no charge, often in exchange for leaving a charity gift. Organisations like Age UK and the National Free Wills Network also provide free or low-cost wills for eligible individuals. These initiatives reduce barriers for those with simple estates.
DIY Will Kits
Post Office and other budget will kits provide a low-cost option (around £10), suitable for simple estates. However, these kits may not cover complex situations or offer legal guidance, increasing the risk of mistakes.
When to Use a Solicitor
For complex estates—trusts, businesses, blended families, foreign assets, or contentious circumstances—Martin Lewis recommends solicitors to ensure the will is airtight.
Inheritance Tax and Wills: Planning Smartly
Martin Lewis explains how properly structured wills can help mitigate inheritance tax (IHT). For example, leaving at least 10% of your estate to registered charities reduces the IHT rate from 40% to 36%. Trusts and lifetime gifting are other strategies to consider with professional financial advice.
Matters Special to Unmarried and Blended Families
Unmarried couples often face difficulties without wills, as intestacy laws do not automatically provide for partners. Blended families need clear wills to define asset division fairly and avoid disputes among children or stepchildren. Martin Lewis stresses the importance of honest, clear communication and professional advice to manage these often complex family dynamics.
Step-by-Step Process to Write or Update Your Will (Martin Lewis Style)
- Compile an asset inventory: List properties, savings, valuables, and digital assets.
- Identify beneficiaries: Decide who inherits what, including specific gifts and residuary estate.
- Choose executors: Trusted individuals or professionals who will administer your will.
- Decide guardianship: Nominate legal guardians if you have minor children.
- Consult a solicitor or free will event: Get professional or reliable help drafting the document.
- Sign and witness correctly: Follow legal requirements with two independent witnesses.
- Secure your will: Store it safely and inform executors of its location.
- Review periodically: Update your will after major life changes or every 5 years.
Common Myths About Wills
- Only the rich need them – everyone should have a will.
- Marriage doesn’t affect a will – in England and Wales marriage revokes a will unless redone.
- DIY wills are enough – often errors in DIY wills cause legal troubles.
FAQ: Quick Answers from Martin Lewis Will Writing Advice
Why is a will essential?
It directs how your estate is distributed and avoids intestacy complications.
Can unmarried couples inherit without a will?
No, intestacy laws exclude unmarried partners, so wills are vital.
What is the importance of a Lasting Power of Attorney?
It lets trusted individuals make decisions if you lose capacity.
How can I reduce inheritance tax?
By leaving gifts to charity, using trusts, and professional planning.
Are free wills reliable?
Yes, if made by qualified solicitors during events like Free Wills Month.
Final Thoughts
Martin Lewis’s advice makes clear that will writing is a vital, actionable step everyone should take without delay. It protects your loved ones, clarifies your wishes, and simplifies future legal processes. Combining your will with legal tools like LPAs and considering tax-efficient planning ensures your estate is managed as you intend. With many low-cost or free resources available, barriers to entry have never been lower. Taking action today offers priceless peace of mind.
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