The Cost of Delay
Most people know that making a will is something they should do. Yet a large number of adults in the UK have still not written one. The reasons vary; some feel it is too complicated, others believe they are too young, and many simply assume it is something that can wait.
The phrase 'I will get around to it' is extremely common when it comes to matters like this. Unfortunately, this kind of thinking often leads to serious problems down the line. People put off important decisions about their estate for a number of reasons. Some feel uncomfortable thinking about death. Others believe they do not own enough to make a will worthwhile. There is also a common assumption that the process is expensive or time-consuming. In reality, these are often misconceptions that stop people from taking a simple and practical step that could protect their family. When someone passes away without a will in place, the consequences for those left behind can be significant. Families can be left waiting months, sometimes years before matters are resolved. In some cases, disagreements arise between relatives about who should receive what. Assets that a person fully intended to pass to a partner, child, or close friend may end up going elsewhere entirely. The financial and emotional cost of delay can far exceed whatever effort it would have taken to act sooner. The truth is, putting off this kind of decision is not a neutral choice. Every day without a will in place is a day when your wishes are not protected. Acting now does not mean dwelling on difficult subjects, it means making sure the people you care about are not left dealing with unnecessary confusion and stress at an already difficult time.
key takeaways:
Delaying a will isn’t harmless every day without one leaves your wishes unprotected and increases the financial and emotional burden on your loved ones.
Dying without a will means losing control Scottish intestacy laws decide who inherits, which may exclude unmarried partners, stepchildren, or close friends entirely.
A will provides certainty and peace of mind, it removes confusion, reduces family disputes, and gives clear instructions at a difficult time.
Making a will is simpler and more flexible than most people think it’s affordable, can be updated at any time, and is relevant regardless of age or wealth.
Taking action today is an act of care. A small step now can save your family months or years of stress, delay, and unintended consequences later.
What Happens When There's No Will
When a person dies without a will, they are said to have died 'intestate.' In Scotland, as in the rest of the UK, there are rules that determine what happens to a person's estate in these circumstances.
These rules are called the laws of intestacy, and they follow a fixed order of priority. This means that your assets are distributed according to a set formula not according to your personal wishes.
Under intestacy rules in Scotland, your estate would typically pass to your spouse or civil partner first, then to your children, and then to other relatives in a specific sequence. If you have a long-term partner you are not married to, they may receive nothing at all, regardless of how many years you have been together. Similarly, close friends, stepchildren, and others who may have been very important to you have no automatic right to inherit anything under these rules.
The practical consequences for loved ones can be significant. Delays in sorting out an estate without a will can stretch on for many months. During this time, families may struggle to access funds or make financial decisions. In some situations, a family home may need to be sold to settle the estate in a way that satisfies the legal requirements, even if that was never the intention of the person who passed away.
Beyond the financial impact, there is also the emotional burden. Relatives may find themselves in disputes with one another, not because of bad intentions, but simply because there are no clear instructions to follow. Children from previous relationships, unmarried partners, and other family members can all find themselves in difficult positions. These are situations that a properly written will could have prevented entirely.
Taking Action Today = Control Tomorrow
Making a will is one of the clearest ways a person can take control of what happens after they are gone. It gives you the ability to decide exactly who receives your assets, who looks after your children if they are young, and how your wishes should be carried out. Without one, those decisions are made for you by rules that do not know you or your circumstances.
A will also provides clarity for the people you leave behind. Instead of uncertainty and guesswork, your family and friends have a clear document that sets out your intentions. This reduces the likelihood of disputes and removes much of the stress involved in dealing with your estate. For many families, the knowledge that everything has been clearly arranged in advance brings genuine peace of mind.
There is also a practical side to this. A will allows you to appoint an executor, a person you trust to carry out your wishes. You can include instructions for specific items of sentimental value, set up arrangements for dependants who need ongoing support, and even include guidance on matters such as funeral wishes. None of this is possible without a will in place.
It is worth thinking about a will not as a document about death, but as a document about care. It is a way of looking after the people who matter to you, making sure your assets reach the right hands, and sparing your loved ones from unnecessary difficulty at an already painful time. Taking this step today means that whatever happens tomorrow, you have already done what you could to protect the people you care about most.
Making a Will Is Simpler Than You Think
One of the most common reasons people delay is because they believe the process is complicated or expensive. There are several widely held misconceptions about making a will that are worth addressing, because in many cases the reality is much more straightforward than people expect.
A common myth is that wills are only for older people or those with significant assets. This is simply not true. If you own anything: a car, savings, personal belongings, or a share in a property a will is relevant to you. Another common belief is that a handwritten note or informal arrangement is enough to make your wishes known.
While these may express your intentions, they do not carry the same standing and can easily be challenged or ignored. Knowing how to make a will properly, with the right guidance and structure, is the best way to ensure your wishes are respected.
People also sometimes assume that making a will means handing everything over to someone else or committing to something permanent. In fact, a will can be updated at any time. If your circumstances change, a new relationship, the birth of a child, a change in your financial situation your will can be changed to reflect that.
Seeking professional guidance when writing your will is strongly recommended. A professional who understands the specific rules in Scotland can help you avoid common mistakes that might make a will unclear or difficult to carry out. If you are based in Scotland, using a will writing service in Glasgow or elsewhere in the country means you are working with someone familiar with Scottish rules, which differ in some important ways from the rest of the UK.
A professional can also help you think through scenarios you might not have considered, such as what happens if a named beneficiary passes away before you do.
The process does not have to take long. Many people complete their will in a single session once they have thought through the key decisions. The important thing is to start.
A handwritten note or informal arrangement is enough to make your wishes known. While these may express your intentions, they do not carry the same standing and can easily be challenged or ignored. Knowing how to make a will properly, with the right guidance and structure, is the best way to ensure your wishes are respected.
People also sometimes assume that making a will means handing everything over to someone else or committing to something permanent. In fact, a will can be updated at any time. If your circumstances change, a new relationship, the birth of a child, a change in your financial situation your will can be changed to reflect that.
Seeking professional guidance when writing your will is strongly recommended. A professional who understands the specific rules in Scotland can help you avoid common mistakes that might make a will unclear or difficult to carry out. If you are based in Scotland, using a will writing service in Glasgow or elsewhere in the country means you are working with someone familiar with Scottish rules, which differ in some important ways from the rest of the UK. A professional can also help you think through scenarios you might not have considered, such as what happens if a named beneficiary passes away before you do.
The process does not have to take long. Many people complete their will in a single session once they have thought through the key decisions. The important thing is to start.
A Small Step Now, a Big Relief Later
Writing a will is not something you need to approach with urgency or anxiety. It is simply a responsible thing to do in the same way that having insurance, keeping important documents organised, or making sure your family knows your wishes on other matters is responsible. It is an act of care, not a reaction to a crisis.
The most effective way to think about making a will is as a form of preparation. Life is unpredictable, and most of us know this. Planning ahead means that if something unexpected happens, your family is not left in a difficult position.
They will know what you wanted, and they will have a clear path to follow. That is a meaningful gift to the people who matter most to you.
Many people who have written will describe the experience as a relief. Once it is done, they no longer carry the background concern that comes from knowing it has not been dealt with. There is a quiet confidence that comes from having your affairs in order not because you expect something to happen soon, but because you know you have done what you can.
If you are based in Scotland and would like to take this step, iLaw Scotland offers writing support that is clear, accessible, and focused on your individual circumstances. Whether you are starting from scratch or want to review something already in place, reaching out to a will writing service in Glasgow or across Scotland is a straightforward way to get the right support without unnecessary complexity.
Making a will does not need to be a daunting process. With the right help, it is a manageable and worthwhile step that gives you and your family greater certainty about the future. Do not let 'later' become 'never.' A small action today can make a very significant difference tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do I need a will if I am young and healthy?
Yes. A will is not only for older people. If you have any assets, savings, property, or dependants, a will ensures your wishes are clearly recorded. Unexpected situations can happen at any age, and having a will in place means your loved ones are protected regardless of your circumstances.
Q2. What happens to my assets if I die without a will in Scotland?
If you die without a will in Scotland, your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy. These rules follow a fixed order of priority and do not take your personal wishes into account. An unmarried partner, for example, may receive nothing at all, even if you had been together for many years.
Q3. Can I write my own will without professional help?
Technically, you can write your own will, but there are risks involved. Errors in wording, missing signatures, or failure to follow the correct formalities can make a will invalid or open to challenge. Professional guidance, especially from someone familiar with Scottish rules, significantly reduces the chance of problems arising later.
Q4. How much does it cost to make a will?
The cost varies depending on your circumstances and who you use. Many people find the process more affordable than they expected. Using a will writing service in Glasgow or elsewhere in Scotland can give you access to clear pricing and professional support without unnecessary expense.
Q5. How often should I update my will?
You should review your will whenever your circumstances change. This includes getting married or entering a civil partnership, having children, buying property, separating from a partner, or experiencing a significant change in your financial situation. A will can be updated at any point during your lifetime.
Q6. Who should I choose as an executor?
An executor is the person responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will. Most people choose a trusted friend or family member. You can also appoint a professional. It is important to speak to the person beforehand to make sure they are willing and able to take on the responsibility.
Q7. Is a will written in Scotland valid in the rest of the UK?
Scottish law on wills and succession differs from the law in England and Wales. A will written in Scotland is generally valid throughout the UK, but if you have assets in different parts of the UK or abroad, it is worth discussing this with a professional to make sure everything is covered correctly.
Q8. Can I include funeral wishes in my will?
Yes, you can include guidance about your funeral preferences in your will. However, it is worth noting that wills are not always read immediately after a death. It can be helpful to also leave your wishes somewhere your family can access them quickly, such as with a trusted person or in a letter kept alongside your will.
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