Most people in their late twenties have not given much thought to writing a will. Yet Erin Atkinson, a 27-year-old psychological researcher at a London university, has already completed one, deciding precisely where her money and possessions should go after her death.
"At first it felt quite surreal because you associate wills with older people,"she explains. Erin relocated to London from Bristol four years ago and currently rents a property. Though she prefers not to disclose her exact income, she does not consider herself particularly affluent. Nevertheless, she has made deliberate choices about her legacy.
Her vehicle, valued at £7,000, will pass to her sister. A gold necklace given to her by her partner will return to him. Additionally, she has designated funds for an endometriosis charity, a cause that holds personal significance for her.
"It felt really empowering that I could have that written down to say I want X amount donated."
For many young adults, creating a will may feel unnecessary, particularly if they believe they have little of material value to distribute. According to the 2025 National Wills Report, only one in five people aged 18 to 24 have a will in place. This proportion increases to 33% among those aged 22 to 34, and rises further to 56% for those over 55. The same report reveals that 37% of UK adults currently have a will, while 34% plan to write one within the next year.
Sophia Maslin, founder of Morby, an application enabling people to create wills online, identifies a widespread misunderstanding: the belief that substantial wealth is a prerequisite for making a will.
"People believe they don't own enough. But actually, if you've got some sort of savings, investments, pensions, your social media accounts, if you've got pets, even funeral wishes, these are all things to think about,"she says.
For Erin, the impetus to create a will emerged when a friend purchased a home. Her resolve strengthened after encountering Maslin's content on TikTok, where Maslin shared her cousin's story—a young person who died without a will, leaving the family to navigate significant complications. Observing the complexity her own grandmother's will created for her large family also influenced Erin's decision.
"Seeing the will written in a way that was very directive showed me you can take a lot of pressure off the family,"she reflects. The process also revealed to Erin that she possessed more financial assets than she had realised, including premium bonds.
Why young people should consider making a will
Eleanor Hodgson, a solicitor at Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors, points out that practical reasons for creating a will exist even when assets are modest.
"It's not just your assets that it helps because there's still someone that has to deal with your bank accounts and any debts you have, and it's [being] able to name a person that can legally deal with that without having to jump through hoops,"she explains. The complications of dying without a will often remain difficult to appreciate until circumstances demand it, Hodgson adds.
Maslin observes that young people frequently postpone will-writing, viewing it as a task for later life.
"The reality is that unexpected things happen at every stage of life,"she states. Research suggests this attitude may be shifting: only 30% of 25–54-year-olds have planned ahead, versus over 55% of those aged 55 and above, indicating a significant gap in younger age groups. However, comparing year-on-year data reveals changing patterns—a 2024 report showed higher will-writing rates among younger adults than the 2025 figures, suggesting attitudes may be evolving.
What makes a will meaningful beyond money?
For Erin, numerous items in her will carry greater emotional than financial worth. Her will also documents smaller details she wishes her family to understand, ranging from a poem she wants recited at her funeral to her preferred beverage for the occasion. Contemplating these particulars did not feel morbid to her.
"For me, writing a will wasn't about expecting the worst. It was about taking responsibility and making life easier for the people I care about,"she says.
How to write a will affordably
Creating a will need not be prohibitively expensive or complicated. Several options exist for obtaining a will at minimal or no cost. For instance, Will Aid operates annually each November, coordinating with volunteer solicitors who waive their fees for drafting basic wills.
Once you have engaged a solicitor, several key considerations emerge:
Select your beneficiaries: Determine who receives your money and possessions—family members, friends, or charitable organisations. If you have children under 18, you can designate s for them.
Appoint an executor: This individual ensures your wishes are implemented. Options include a trusted family member or a solicitor, though some solicitors charge fees for this service.
Plan for your pets: You can specify who should care for them following your death.
Document funeral preferences: Include your wishes regarding burial or cremation, music, readings, flowers, or other details.
Store your will securely: Keep it in a safe location and ensure someone you trust knows where to find it. An unfound will can cause delays and may result in your wishes not being honoured.
What comes next for will-writing among younger adults
The trajectory of will-writing among younger generations appears poised for growth. The 2025 National Wills Report indicates that 34% of adults intend to write a will within the next year, suggesting that millions more could take action during 2026 if those intentions materialise. Additionally, preferences regarding will format are diversifying: 36% of adults would accept a digital will, while 39% still prefer a paper will, reflecting evolving attitudes toward estate planning methods.
