Are you ever too young to make a will?

The common perception is that wills are usually for older individuals. However, it is often beneficial for younger people to have one. Making a will at a young age helps plan and guarantees a more stable future for dependents.

At Eatons, our wills and probate solicitors can help you at any stage of your life. We assist you in protecting your assets in case of death.

What Does the Law Say About Age and Wills?

The UK law stipulates that to make a valid will; you must be at least 18 years old.

The law states that anyone under 18 does not have the capacity to make legally binding documents. Minors are, therefore, not considered to have the maturity or judgement necessary to make such important decisions.

Furthermore, the testator must be of sound mind and have the mental capacity to understand they are drafting a will.

Why Young Adults Should Consider Making a Will

It is difficult for a younger person to imagine making a will. However, there are scenarios in which making one can be beneficial. These include owning a property, having children, or running a business. Wills are not only about death but are also essential estate planning tools.

The Will would name trusted Guardians to look after your children and appoint people the deceased trusts to hold the money. Also, if there are unadopted stepchildren they may not inherit anything at all.

They also provide loved ones with peace of mind and make estate administration easier.

Solicitors such as Eatons run wills and probate services to guide young people through the legal process efficiently.

What Are the Consequences of Dying Without a Will (Intestacy)?

Intestacy rules help manage an estate in the absence of a will. They help determine who inherits the deceased's estate and how to divide it.

The law defines an estate as being the assets a person owns at the time of their death. It usually includes money, property and other valuables.

What happens to married couples?

If there is no will, the surviving spouse or partner inherits the estate. This includes separated couples who are still married. However, it does not apply to divorced couples and those whose civil partnership has ended.

Moreover, if the couple has children, the surviving member inherits the first £322,000 of the estate. They will also inherit all the deceased's property. The children themselves inherit the other half of the remaining estate if it is worth over £322,000.

What happens to unmarried couples?

Couples who are not married or in a civil partnership do not automatically inherit. In this case, the absence of a will delays the distribution of assets. However, applying for probate remains possible. The person entitled to the largest share of the estate can become its administrator.

In either case, it is best to consult a will and probate solicitor to get legal advice and prevent these problems.

What Are Common Misconceptions?

I am too young; I don't need a will.

As we have mentioned previously anyone above the age of 18 years old who is of sound mind can make a will. Age does not dictate the need for a will, life circumstances do.

My Assets Aren't Valuable Enough

You do not need to own a business or property to have a will. A basic one dictates your last wishes, helps arrange the funeral, and determines who looks after your belongings.

Having A Will Means Planning Ahead

You plan the future at any age. Doing so in advance by making better protects your assets should the worst happen. This is because life circumstances dictate the need for a will. You also don't need to be wealthy to have one because it can protect future assets too.

Contact the Wills and Probate Team at Eatons Solicitors to book an appointment.