How to Write a Will in the UK: Costs, Steps and Common Mistakes

If you farm, own land, or run a business, your estate is almost certainly more complicated than most. And if you die without a valid will, none of that complexity works in your favour — it works against your family.

But this guide isn't only for farmers. Whether you're a homeowner with stepchildren, an unmarried partner with shared property, or simply someone who'd rather their wishes were honoured than left to chance — getting a will in place is one of the most straightforward things you can do to protect the people you care about.

Boring Money is an independent financial information platform. No products to sell, no jargon. Here's what you need to know about writing a will in the UK.

A will is a legal document that sets out who receives your money, property, and possessions — your "estate" — after you die. It can also specify who should care for your children if both parents die.

Without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy. That means the law — not you — decides who gets what. Unmarried partners receive nothing. Estranged relatives may inherit. Children's care arrangements are decided by the courts.

And it's not enough to just have a will. If it isn't signed and witnessed correctly, it's legally invalid — and the rules of intestacy apply anyway, as if you'd never written one at all.

The good news: getting a will in place doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. This guide walks you through exactly what to do.