Many people assume wills are only for the elderly or those with large estates, but an increasing number of younger adults are deciding to set out their wishes in writing. Advocates for early planning say a will can clarify who inherits, appoint guardians for dependent children or pets, and relieve families of difficult decisions during bereavement.
Why younger adults are taking action
Those who have chosen to make wills in their twenties and thirties point to a range of motivations. Cohabiting couples who are not married or in a civil partnership may discover that, without a will, their partner would not automatically inherit under intestacy rules in some jurisdictions. People with blended families also use wills to set out how assets should be shared between partners and children from previous relationships.
What a will can and cannot do
A will is primarily a legal instrument for directing the distribution of assets and naming executors to administer an estate. It can also allow someone to nominate a guardian for any minor children and to set out funeral preferences. It cannot, however, control everything; some assets such as jointly owned property or some pensions may pass outside a will, and other decisions such as health care proxies or lasting powers of attorney require separate legal documents.
Practical considerations and options
Experts advise that wills need not be complicated or prohibitively expensive. There are a range of options, from solicitors and specialist will-writers to online services, but it is important to choose a route that offers appropriate legal safeguards, for example ensuring the document is properly witnessed. Many legal advisers also suggest reviewing a will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a change in financial circumstances.
While making a will is a personal decision, those who do so at a younger age say it offers peace of mind and clearer protection for partners and dependants. Legal professionals recommend considering a will as part of broader financial and life planning, rather than something to be deferred until later in life.