What Is a Will and Why It Matters for Your Future

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones. At JR Levins, we’re here to help make the process simple and straight forward. This article explains what a Will is, why you need one, and what happens if you don’t have one.

What Is a Will?

A Will is a legal document that sets out your wishes for what should happen to your money, property, and possessions after you pass away. It ensures your loved ones are cared for and helps avoid unnecessary stress or disputes. You can also include your funeral wishes and any special instructions.

Why Do I Need a Will?

A Will isn’t just for people with large estates or complicated finances. It’s for anyone who wants peace of mind and control over what happens after they’re gone.

Here’s why a Will matters:

• You stay in control – Decide who inherits your money, property, and possessions.
• You protect your family – Appoint guardians for children and make sure vulnerable relatives are cared for.
• You avoid disputes – A clear Will helps prevent arguments and confusion.
• You reduce delays – Your executor can act immediately without waiting for court approval.
• You plan for tax – A well-written Will can help reduce inheritance tax and protect your estate.
• You plan for care costs – It may be possible to protect some assets from rising care home fees.

Even if you think you don’t have much to leave, a Will can still make a big difference. It’s about ensuring peace of mind for you and those you care about.

👉 Read our guide on Why You Need a Will.

What Happens If I Don’t Have a Will?

If you die without a Will, you’re said to have died intestate. This means the law decides who inherits your estate, not you.

Here’s what that could mean:

• Your spouse or civil partner may not receive everything if you have children.
• Unmarried partners get nothing – even if you’ve lived together for years.
• Stepchildren, friends, and carers are excluded unless named in a Will.
• Children from previous relationships may inherit unexpectedly, causing tension.
• Your estate may be taxed more heavily, especially if assets aren’t passed efficiently.

The rules of intestacy follow a strict legal order. They don’t consider personal relationships, promises, or your wishes. This can lead to delays, legal costs, and emotional stress for your family. What happens if someone passes away without a Will?

👉 Find out about Intestacy Rules on GOV.UK

Making a Will doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. At JR Levins, we take the time to listen carefully to your wishes and offer clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances. Our experienced team will draft your Will correctly to avoid costly mistakes and provide ongoing support if your situation changes.

Karla Cope,  our head of Wills & Probate, has a national accreditation as an Accredited Lifetime Lawyer which demonstrates her dedication to guiding clients through complex and sensitive decisions with expertise and empathy.
👉  Learn more about Karla’s achievement

If you would like to speak to Karla, or any of the Wills & Probate team to help draft a Will or review an existing one, contact us today. We’ll guide you through the process and make sure your wishes are clearly documented.

📞0151 480 5777 – option 4
📧 wills@jrlevins.co.uk

Read our Will FAQ’s