In 2026, 57% of UK adults don’t have a will in place, and that means far too many families are left to work through rules they never chose. If you’re thinking, “I need to write a will, but I don’t want it to get complicated,” you’re in the right place.
Key Takeaways
| What to do first | Make a short list of assets, people you trust, and who you want to benefit. |
| Keep it simple | A clear will is one that’s understood by your family, not one that hides behind legalese. |
| Plan for changes | If life changes, you may need to update your will, quickly and correctly. |
| Writing is only part of it | Signing, witnessing, and storing the original matter as much as the words. |
| Use guided help if you’re unsure | We run it like a process, not a quiz. Have a chat, we draft it, then you sign and store it properly. |
| Also consider lasting power of attorney | A lasting power of attorney can protect you if you lose capacity, while your will deals with what happens after death. |
- “What people ask first”: We often hear, “How do I write my will without messing it up?” The key is getting the right choices down clearly, then signing it correctly.
- “Does it need to be complex?”: No. We focus on making it readable and legally valid, so your family can follow it.
- “Where do I start?”: If you want a guided route, our short, adviser-led call is a low-pressure first step.
- For questions and next steps, you can also start with Make My Will Today and have a conversation about what you need.
Why write a will in 2026, even if you’re “not wealthy”?
When people put off writing a will, it’s usually not because they don’t care. It’s because the process feels emotional, awkward, or full of unknown steps.
But “not wealthy” is exactly why a will is powerful. A properly written will helps you decide who receives what you own, how you want things handled, and who should be responsible for carrying out your wishes.
In England, if someone dies without a will, their estate is dealt with under intestacy rules. That can mean relatives get more, or different people get less, than the family expected.
And the reality in 2026 is that many adults have either no will at all or one that no longer fits life as it is today. That is where we help most, with clear wording and a straightforward process designed to reduce stress.
Start with the basics: what you need before you write a will
Before you write my will, the best thing you can do is gather a few key details. This is not about paperwork for paperwork’s sake. It’s about making sure the choices in your will reflect real life.
Here’s a simple checklist we use to keep things clear.
- Your full legal name and address.
- Who you want to leave things to (names, and relationship such as partner, child, friend).
- Who you want to act as your executor (the person who handles your estate).
- What you own, broadly (for example, house, savings, investments, personal belongings).
- Any special situations (step-children, a beneficiary who needs protection, or someone you would like to exclude).
We also like to talk about timing and practicalities. For example, if you are worried about family finding the document, we can plan how the original will is stored and how executors are told where it is.
How to write a will step by step (without the legal maze)
Most people put off writing a will because it feels complicated. We make it straightforward with a guided, plain-English approach that feels more like planning than legal work.
Our process is built around a simple rhythm: have a chat, we draft it, then you sign and store it. We also aim for quick progress, so you are not left waiting for weeks with unfinished thoughts.
Here’s what it typically looks like:
Free 30-minute call with an adviser (no sales, no forms).We talk through what you want, what matters, and any sensitive bits you do not want to rush.
Plain-English draft in 7 working days.We turn your instructions into a legally valid document that is easier for your family to understand.
Review and redraft as needed.Review and redraft your Will until you are happy, so you can feel confident you’ve got it right.
Sign with two witnesses.When it’s time, we guide you through signing properly, including witnessing arrangements where needed.
Store the original and provide a certified copy.We store the original in our secure location, and we provide instructions for executors to find it.
Many people tell us the relief comes from knowing exactly what happens next. You should never feel like you are guessing.
Choosing beneficiaries and executors: the decisions that matter most
To write a will properly, you need to make decisions you can stand behind. That includes both who benefits and who will be trusted to carry out your instructions.
Beneficiaries
- Think about the people who rely on you most, not just who you think of first.
- If you’re unsure about amounts, you can still set clear principles and leave the rest to how your estate is valued.
- If circumstances are complex, we can help you structure your will so intentions are obvious.
Executors
- Choose someone organised enough to follow the process and patient enough to handle questions.
- Where possible, pick an executor who understands your wishes, or is willing to ask.
- If you have more than one, think about how decisions will be made in practice.
A useful rule of thumb: if you would trust the person with important, time-sensitive admin, they may be a good candidate.
Write my will as a single person, or mirror wills as a couple
Whether you want to write a will on your own or write wills together, the goal is the same, clarity. But the wording and logistics can differ depending on your situation.
If you’re writing a will as an individual, we offer a single will option with an all-in price. It includes a plain-English draft, two redrafts, and a bi-annual review. For many people, that “what you get is what you pay” approach is part of the comfort.
If you’re a couple, mirror wills (wills that are aligned) can make things simpler. We offer mirror wills for two for £240 all-in, and the bundle includes everything in the single will, plus a joint advice session and that both wills are stored.
Quick comparison (prices shown are all-in):
| What you need | What’s included | All-in price |
|---|---|---|
| Single will | Plain-English draft, two redrafts, bi-annual review, sign and store flow | £150 |
| Mirror wills for two | Everything in single, joint advice session, both wills stored, sign and store flow | £240 |
If you and your partner want similar outcomes but with your own details, this can be a calm way to write a will together.
Don’t forget lasting power of attorney alongside your will
People often focus on death planning, but another important part of estate planning in 2026 is what happens if you cannot make decisions for yourself while you are still alive.
This is where lasting power of attorney comes in. It helps someone you choose make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity, while your will helps with what happens after death.
We include lasting power of attorney as part of our wider estate planning approach. For our LPA package, it’s £200 all-in, covering both LPA types, registration with the OPG, and witnessing instructions. If you want an arrangement that feels organised rather than stressful, that matters.
How to store your will, and make sure your executor can find it
Writing a will is only truly “done” when your document can be accessed and used properly. That includes storage, and the practical reality that executors may not know where your paperwork lives.
Our approach is designed to remove that uncertainty. We store the original in our secure location. And we also give executors instructions so they know what to do and where to look when the time comes.
We also build the signing stage to be as smooth as possible. When you sign, you do it with two witnesses. If you are working remotely, we use a posting pack approach so witnesses can support the signing day correctly.
If your biggest worry about writing a will is “Will my family be able to use it?”, this is the part that tends to give people real peace of mind.
Updating your will: small changes, big difference
In 2026, life changes faster than most people expect. Relationships shift, addresses change, beneficiaries move, and priorities evolve.
The best time to think about updates is when you already feel organised. If you know you will want to tweak something after writing a will, plan for how changes are handled.
We offer a clear change approach. For small tweaks, those are free for the first year. After that, changes cost £40 per person. Knowing the rule upfront helps people avoid surprise costs. If your wishes have significantly changed, you will need to prepare a new Will.
We also include a bi-annual review, so you have a routine check-in rather than remembering months later and feeling behind.
And if you also have a lasting power of attorney, it’s worth reviewing that alongside your will. They serve different purposes, but both should reflect your current choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to write a will in 2026?
The easiest way to write a will in 2026 is to use a guided process where someone helps you turn your choices into a legally valid document. We aim for a plain-English draft in 7 working days, with review and redrafts so you can feel confident it matches what you meant.
Can I write my will if I’m single and don’t own much?
Yes, you can write a will even if you own little, the point is choosing who should benefit. A will is about your wishes, not your net worth, and it helps avoid intestacy outcomes that may not reflect what you would have chosen.
How long does it take to write a will, and when should I sign?
If you want a structured timeline, we provide a plain-English draft in 7 working days. After you review it, you sign with two witnesses, then the document is stored so your executor can find it later.
Do I need lasting power of attorney if I already have a will?
Often, yes. A lasting power of attorney covers decision-making if you lose capacity, while your will deals with what happens after death. Having both helps create a fuller plan for the different moments life can bring.
What’s the difference between writing a will and updating it?
When you write a will, you set your original instructions. Updating your will adjusts those instructions as life changes, so your document keeps reflecting your current relationships, assets, and preferences. We may do this by preparing a whole new document, or by adding a Codicil.
Is it safe to store my original will with a firm?
It can be, as long as you trust the storage process and you understand how you will receive documents and instructions. We store the original in our fireproof, secure and insured location, and give clear directions for executors.
How much does it cost to write a will in England in 2026?
Costs vary depending on what you need, but we keep ours straightforward with fixed, all-in options. For example, a single will is £150 all-in, mirror wills for two are £240 all-in, and lasting power of attorney is £200 all-in with registration included.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to write a will in 2026, the most important thing is to start with the choices that matter and follow through with proper signing and storage. We make this feel manageable, with a free adviser call, a plain-English draft in 7 working days, and a clear sign-and-store process.
And if you’re also planning for the “what if” while you’re still here, pairing your will with lasting power of attorney can give you the broader peace of mind most people want when they write my will.
