Single Parent Wills: Protecting Your Children's Future

Emma, 36, had full custody of her two children, aged 7 and 9, after her divorce finalized three years ago. She kept meaning to write a will but never got around to it—solicitor appointments felt impossible to fit into her schedule between work and solo parenting, and quotes starting at £500 made her hesitate.

When she died unexpectedly from an undiagnosed heart condition, her children were placed into temporary local authority care for 48 hours while the court urgently determined their guardian. Her ex-husband, who had limited parental responsibility due to a history of instability, automatically gained full custody. Emma's sister—the person Emma had always told her children would "take care of them if anything happened to Mummy"—had no legal standing.

Without a will expressing Emma's wishes, the court had no guidance about her concerns or preferences.

In the UK, 3.2 million families are headed by single parents. Of these, fewer than 40% have a will naming a guardian for their children.

This guide explains exactly what single parents need to know about wills, guardian appointments, and protecting their children's future—legally, financially, and emotionally.

Why Single Parent Wills Are Different (and More Urgent)

Single parents face unique will-writing urgency compared to couples. When both parents have parental responsibility, guardianship doesn't activate until both die. For single parents who hold sole parental responsibility, your guardian appointment is immediate upon death.

This difference is critical. If you're the only person with parental responsibility and you die without naming a guardian, your children can go into temporary Section 20 local authority accommodation while the court decides who should raise them.

Parental responsibility (PR) is defined as "all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and their property." Mothers always have it. Unmarried fathers only have it if they're on the birth certificate (for births registered after 1 December 2003) or via court order.

Rachel, 32, was never married to her child's father. He's not on the birth certificate and hasn't been involved since birth. She has sole parental responsibility. When she names her sister as guardian in her will, that appointment takes effect immediately if Rachel dies. There's no other parent to step in.

David, 38, is divorced and shares custody with his ex-wife. Both have parental responsibility. If David dies, his ex-wife automatically has custody—his guardian appointment only takes effect if she also dies later.

Zara, 29, was in a relationship with her child's father but never married. He's not on the birth certificate. Zara has sole PR. Without a will naming a guardian, the court decides who raises her son if she dies—even though she has strong preferences.

The timeframe reality is stark. Court guardianship decisions can take weeks to months. During this time, children may remain in temporary foster care. They experience the trauma of losing their parent combined with the upheaval of temporary care with strangers.

Among the UK's 3.2 million lone parent families, 84.7% are headed by mothers. No parent plans to die young. But unexpected death happens—and when you're the only parent with responsibility, your children's entire world depends on what you've put in place.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will (Intestacy Rules for Single Parents)

Intestacy—dying without a will—creates two major problems for single parents: your estate distribution is decided by rigid legal formulas, and crucially, no guardian is named for your children.

Under UK intestacy rules, if you're unmarried with children, your estate divides equally among your children when they turn 18. Sounds fair, but there's a catch.

Children under 18 cannot directly inherit. The inheritance is held in statutory trust until their 18th birthday, managed by a court-appointed administrator. You don't choose this person. It might not be someone you'd trust with your money or someone who understands your hopes for your children's future.

The administrator can't access funds for your children's needs before 18 without complex court applications. Want your guardian to use inheritance for private school fees, therapy after your death, or university costs? Without specific trust provisions in a will, it's locked away.

But the bigger issue is guardianship. Under the Children Act 1989, if you die without naming a guardian, the court decides based on "best interests of the child." Anyone can apply to be guardian. The court hears applications, investigates, and eventually appoints someone.

This process takes time. During the weeks or months of court proceedings, your children may be placed in Section 20 accommodation—temporary local authority care or emergency foster placement.

If you have no close family, children may remain in temporary care longer while suitable guardians are assessed. The court doesn't know your wishes. They can't consider your sister's close bond with your children or your concerns about your elderly parents' health—because you never documented them.

For divorced parents, if your ex has parental responsibility, they automatically get custody when you die—regardless of the custody arrangement during your life. Unless there are serious safeguarding concerns, the court won't override this.

For unmarried parents where the father has no PR, he has no automatic custody right. But he can apply to the court, and if he's the biological father, the court may grant custody even if you never intended this.

Step-parents have no automatic guardianship right, even if they've raised your child for years—unless they've formally adopted the child.

Mia, 34, died intestate with a £180,000 estate and two children aged 8 and 11. Her entire estate went into trust until they turn 18. Her sister wanted to use funds for the children's private school fees—something Mia had always planned to provide—but couldn't access the money without expensive court applications.

Meanwhile, the court appointed Mia's elderly parents as guardians despite Mia having told her sister multiple times that she wanted her to raise the children. Mia's parents, at 70 and 72, struggled with the physical demands of parenting young children.

James, 41, divorced, died without a will. His ex-wife, who had active addiction issues documented in their divorce proceedings, automatically gained full custody of their three children. James's parents launched an expensive, emotionally devastating court challenge to gain guardianship. The children lived with uncertainty for eight months while the case was decided.

Lisa, 28, was unmarried. Her child's father wasn't on the birth certificate and hadn't been involved in their son's life. She died without naming her best friend as guardian—someone who loved her son and had been co-parenting informally for years.

The court didn't know Lisa's wishes. They placed her son with Lisa's parents (who were in their 70s and struggling with health issues) because they were next of kin. Lisa's best friend had no legal standing.

These aren't worst-case scenarios. This is what intestacy looks like for single parents.

Appointing the Right Guardian: The Most Important Decision

"Who would I trust to raise my children?" is one of the most profound questions you'll ever answer.

Let's acknowledge the emotional weight. No one can parent your children exactly like you would. No one loves them the same way. This decision feels impossible because it matters so deeply—and because it forces you to imagine a world without you in it.

But making this decision isn't adding another burden to your already overwhelming responsibilities as a single parent. It's the one thing that lets you finally set down the heaviest worry of all.

Your guardian must be over 18. There's no upper age limit, but consider stamina and longevity. A guardian who's 68 today will be 78 when your 5-year-old turns 15. That might be right for your family—or it might not.

Consider their values, parenting style, religious beliefs, and location. Think about their financial stability, existing children, living space, and crucially, their willingness. Never appoint someone without asking first. They can legally decline after your death, leaving your children back in the same uncertain position.

Name a backup guardian. Your primary guardian could predecease you, become unable to serve, or face changed circumstances (illness, divorce, financial crisis).

You can appoint different guardians for different children if appropriate. If you have a 16-year-old and a 6-year-old, their needs are vastly different. You can appoint joint guardians (a couple) or multiple guardians to act jointly.

Location matters enormously. Moving children 200 miles from their school, friends, and community adds trauma to grief. Keeping their world as familiar as possible helps them through unimaginable loss.

Consider who your children love and trust now—not theoretical "good parent" qualities in someone they barely know.

Sarah faced a difficult choice. Her sister lived 200 miles away but shared Sarah's values and was financially secure with a stable marriage. Sarah's best friend lived next door. The children adored her, they'd grown up together, but she'd always been clear she never wanted children of her own.

Sarah chose her sister, recognizing that commitment and values mattered more than proximity. But she wrote a detailed letter of wishes asking her sister to maintain the friendship connection, to bring the children back to visit regularly, and to keep Sarah's best friend actively involved in their lives.

Tom's dilemma was different. His parents were the obvious choice—loving, nearby, financially stable. But they were 68 and 70. His younger brother was 32, single, and loved children but lived in a small flat and worked long hours as a junior doctor.

Tom appointed his brother as guardian with a generous financial provision in his will for a larger home. He named his parents as backup guardians "if my brother is unable to serve" and wrote a letter to his brother explaining the financial support available and encouraging him to lean on their parents for help.

Priya had children aged 6 and 16. She appointed her sister as legal guardian for both but included a provision that her 16-year-old could choose to live with her godmother (whom the teenager was much closer to) if mature enough in the guardian's judgment and if her daughter wanted this.

Here's a framework for making your decision:

Guardian Decision Checklist:

Would they love and prioritize my children's wellbeing above all else?
Do they share my core values about religion, education, and discipline?
Are they physically and emotionally capable of parenting my children?
Can they provide a stable home environment?
Do my children know and trust them?
Would this disrupt my children's school and community connections significantly?
Are they willing, and have I confirmed this with them directly?
Are they financially stable, or have I provided financial support in my will?
Have I named a backup guardian in case the primary guardian can't serve?

The best guardian isn't necessarily the person who would make the best theoretical parent. It's the person your children know, trust, and love—who will keep their world as familiar as possible during unimaginable grief.

The Legal Requirements for Guardian Appointments in Your Will

The legal process for appointing a guardian is more straightforward than most single parents realize.

Section 5 of the Children Act 1989 allows parents with parental responsibility to appoint testamentary guardians. "Testamentary" simply means "in a will."

Your guardian appointment must be in writing, dated, and signed. Including it in your will satisfies all these requirements automatically.

You must clearly identify your guardian by full legal name and relationship. "My sister Sarah Jane Thompson" is clear. "My sister" is not sufficient if you have multiple sisters.

Your guardian doesn't need to sign your will. But getting their advance agreement is essential—both legally (they can decline) and practically (raising children requires commitment, not reluctant compliance).

When does your appointment take effect? Immediately upon your death if you're the sole person with parental responsibility. After the second parent dies if both parents have PR.

Once appointed, your guardian gains full parental responsibility under the Children Act 1989 Section 3. They can make all decisions about your children's education, medical treatment, and upbringing.

You can appoint multiple guardians to act "jointly" (they must agree on decisions) or "jointly and severally" (they can act independently). Most single parents choose a couple as joint guardians or a single person.

You can include a guidance letter (called a "letter of wishes") for your guardian about your hopes for your children's upbringing. This isn't legally binding, but it provides valuable context.

You can change your appointed guardian any time by updating your will. A new will automatically revokes the previous guardian appointment.

Critical legal warning: Divorce automatically revokes your ex-spouse as executor, but NOT as guardian if you'd named them. If you've divorced since making your will and your ex is named as guardian, you must explicitly update this.

WUHLD's online will includes all legally required elements for guardian appointment:

Full legal name of guardian and their relationship to you
Statement of appointment under Section 5 of the Children Act 1989
Your signature and witness signatures meeting all Wills Act 1837 requirements
Option to name backup guardian
Option to add guidance notes about your wishes

The legal requirements are not complicated. The emotional decision is hard—but the legal mechanism is designed to be accessible.

Special Circumstances: Divorced, Unmarried, and Sole Custody Parents

Single parent circumstances vary enormously. Your legal position depends on whether your child's other parent has parental responsibility, how involved they are, and whether there are any safeguarding concerns.

Divorced Parents (Ex Has Parental Responsibility)

If you're divorced and your ex has parental responsibility, they automatically get custody when you die—regardless of custody arrangements during your life. Your guardian appointment doesn't take effect unless your ex also dies.

Exception: If your ex is deemed unfit, the court can override automatic custody. But you cannot override this in your will.

What you can do: Write a letter of wishes explaining concerns, include objective evidence (court orders, police reports, social services involvement), and name your preferred guardian for if and when the court intervenes or if your ex later dies.

Consider appointing someone as executor who will advocate for your wishes if custody becomes contested.

Claire divorced Tom five years ago due to his alcohol abuse. Tom has supervised visitation but retains parental responsibility. Claire knows that when she dies, Tom will likely get custody.

She names her sister as guardian in her will anyway—because if Tom later dies, becomes unable to parent, or his substance issues worsen, her sister is legally appointed.

Claire writes a detailed letter documenting Tom's ongoing substance issues and attaching copies of court orders limiting his contact. She gives her sister a copy and keeps the original with her will. She knows Tom will get custody, but she wants her sister to have legal grounds to apply for guardianship if Tom relapses.

Unmarried Parents (Father Not on Birth Certificate/No PR)

If your child's father has no parental responsibility, you have sole PR—your guardian appointment takes immediate effect when you die.

The father can apply to court for PR or custody after your death, but your named guardian has legal standing. The court will consider your written wishes in the will as an important factor.

Consider whether to involve the father in your guardian decision. If he's been completely uninvolved, you probably won't. If he's been present but you don't want him to have full custody, the situation is more nuanced.

Jess was never in a relationship with her child's father. He's not on the birth certificate and has never been involved in their son's life. Jess has sole parental responsibility.

She names her brother as guardian. She knows the father could theoretically apply for custody after her death, but her will gives her brother strong legal standing as the named guardian. The court would need compelling reasons to override her documented wishes.

Sole Custody by Court Order

Even if the court granted you sole custody during your life, this doesn't automatically prevent your ex from regaining custody after your death.

Court custody orders during life are not the same as parental responsibility allocation. If your ex still has parental responsibility (which the court rarely removes), they can gain custody when you die.

Your will can't override your ex's parental responsibility, but it can evidence your wishes. If you have serious safeguarding concerns, consult a specialist family law solicitor about protective measures beyond a simple will.

Safeguarding Concerns

You cannot remove your ex's parental responsibility in your will. Only a court can do this, and only in extreme circumstances.

What you can do: Document concerns in a signed, dated letter to accompany your will. Include objective evidence—copies of police reports, court protection orders, or social services involvement.

Name your preferred guardian and explain factually why you believe this person is better suited. Inform your guardian of concerns so they can act quickly if needed after your death.

If you have concerns involving abuse, neglect, or risk of harm to your child, consult a specialist family law solicitor. A will alone cannot remove parental responsibility or prevent an unfit parent from gaining custody. Legal intervention requires court orders obtained during your lifetime.

Same-Sex Parents

For same-sex couples, the non-birth mother must have obtained PR via adoption, parental responsibility order, or being named on the birth certificate (if the child was born after 2009 to a female couple).

If the non-birth mother has no PR, she has no automatic custody right—making it critical to name her as guardian in your will if you're the birth mother.

Both mothers with PR should name guardians, ideally agreeing on the same person.

Amy gave birth via donor sperm. Her partner Laura adopted their daughter, so both have parental responsibility. Both name Amy's sister as guardian in their wills.

If Amy dies, Laura has custody automatically. If Laura later dies, Amy's sister becomes guardian—because both parents appointed her.

Protecting Your Children's Inheritance Until They're Adults

Guardian appointment and inheritance protection are two sides of the same coin. Your guardian needs resources to raise your children; your children need their inheritance protected until they're mature enough to manage it.

Children under 18 cannot directly inherit under the Trustee Act 1925. Without specific trust provisions in your will, their inheritance is held in statutory trust until they turn 18.

The problem with statutory trust: no flexibility. No access for your children's needs before 18. Your guardian can't access funds for school fees, therapy, extracurricular activities, or anything else without complex court applications.

The solution: Appoint trustees in your will to manage inheritance with flexibility.

Your trustees can be the same people as your guardians or different. Your guardian raises your children day-to-day; your trustee manages the money and provides financial support.

Consider whether your guardian is financially sophisticated. A wonderful parent might not be a capable investor. You might want your best friend as guardian (excellent with children) and your brother the accountant as trustee (excellent with money).

Trust flexibility lets trustees release funds before age 18 for your children's education, health, and maintenance. You can specify this clearly in your will.

You can set the inheritance access age higher than 18 if you're concerned about maturity. Many parents choose 21 or 25. You can stagger inheritance: 50% at 21, 50% at 25, reducing the risk of a young adult making poor financial decisions with a large lump sum.

Marcus has a £250,000 estate and three children aged 6, 9, and 11. He appoints his sister as both guardian and trustee. His will explicitly authorizes the trustee to use funds for the children's education, healthcare, and maintenance.

When Marcus dies, his sister can pay for private school fees, therapy to help the children process their grief, and university costs. The remaining inheritance splits equally between the children at age 25.

Jenny appoints her best friend as guardian (she's a wonderful parent but not financially savvy) and her brother as trustee (he's an accountant). Her brother manages the investments and provides her best friend with a monthly allowance for the children's expenses, plus approval for major expenses like school trips or orthodontics.

This prevents conflicts. The guardian isn't managing money and parenting. The trustee isn't making parenting decisions while controlling finances.

Consider life insurance as part of your estate plan. Raising one child to 18 costs £260,000 for a lone parent, according to the Child Poverty Action Group.

If your estate is modest, life insurance can bridge the gap between your lost income and your children's needs.

Life insurance in trust bypasses your estate entirely—no probate delay, no inheritance tax, funds available within weeks instead of months. Name your guardian as trustee of the insurance trust for immediate access to support your children.

Aisha has a modest £40,000 estate but £300,000 life insurance in trust naming her sister (her chosen guardian) as trustee. When Aisha dies, her sister receives the insurance payout within two weeks. She can immediately cover the children's needs—new school uniforms, counseling, activities—without financial strain while waiting for probate.

Option	Guardian as Trustee	Separate Trustee	Professional Trustee
Cost	Free	Free	Fees (£1,000-£3,000/year)
Speed	Fast decisions	Moderate (coordination needed)	Slower (formal processes)
Expertise	Varies	Choose financial expert	Professional investment management
Relationship	Guardian knows children's needs intimately	Objectivity prevents conflicts	Maximum objectivity and expertise
Best For	Simple estates; financially capable guardian	Complex estates; non-financial guardian	High-value estates (£500,000+)

What to Include in Your Letter of Wishes to Your Guardian

A letter of wishes is a supplementary document—not part of the will itself—that provides personal guidance about your hopes for your children's upbringing.

It's not legally binding, but it's valuable. Your guardian will face countless decisions, big and small. Should they move schools? Take up rugby? Learn an instrument? Your letter helps them make choices you'd have made.

The letter can be more personal and detailed than your will. You can update it without changing your will. Keep it with your will and give a copy to your guardian when you appoint them.

What to include:

Your children's personalities, strengths, struggles, and preferences
Importance of maintaining sibling relationships if you have multiple children
Religious or cultural traditions you want continued
Education priorities (specific schools if relevant, or general values)
Hobbies and activities important to your children
Your parenting approach to discipline, independence, and education
Key relationships to maintain (grandparents, godparents, close friends, your ex's family if appropriate)
Any special needs or medical considerations
Pet care if you have family pets
How you'd like them to talk to your children about you

Write to your guardian, not to your children. If you want to leave letters for your children, do that separately.

Use a grateful, trusting tone—not controlling or suspicious. Acknowledge the enormous responsibility your guardian is taking on. Express confidence in their judgment. Recognize they'll need flexibility.

Example excerpts:

"Oliver is 8 now. He's sensitive and needs patience when he's overwhelmed. Loud voices frighten him—he shuts down. He loves reading before bed; it calms him. Try the Harry Potter series when he's ready. Sophia is 6, fearless, and fiercely competitive. She thrives with clear boundaries and lots of physical activity. She's happiest when she's tired from running. They adore each other but fight like cats and dogs by bedtime. They need solo attention too."

"Education matters to me, but happiness matters more. I'd love for them to attend university if that's their path, but I trust you to support whatever fulfills them. Don't push if they want to learn a trade or pursue art. I want them to love learning, not resent it."

"Please help them maintain a relationship with their paternal grandparents. My relationship with their father was difficult, but my children love his parents. That matters more than adult conflicts. They're good people. They'll want to be involved. Let them."

Your letter won't cover every decision your guardian faces. That's okay. Give them the foundation—your values, your children's needs, your hopes—and trust them to build on it.

Navigating Co-Parenting and Shared Custody in Your Will

If you're divorced or separated and share custody with your ex, both of you have parental responsibility. This creates unique planning considerations.

Best practice: Both parents should make wills. Ideally, discuss guardian choice with your ex and align. This avoids potential conflict if you both die simultaneously (car accident, plane crash, other tragedy).

If you choose different guardians and you both die at the same time, the court decides which guardian to appoint based on the child's best interests. Conflicting guardian nominations create uncertainty for your children during grief.

If your relationship with your ex is good, consider appointing someone from their family. This provides continuity for your children—maintaining relationships with people they already know and love.

If your relationship with your ex is hostile, document your guardian choice clearly anyway. Focus on what you can control.

Financial provisions matter enormously in shared custody situations. Child maintenance stops when you die—it's based on your income, which ceases. Your guardian will need resources to provide for your children.

Consider life insurance to fund your guardian's expenses. This doesn't rely on your ex's cooperation or financial situation.

Common Conflicts and Solutions

Conflict 1: Ex Remarried and Wants Step-Parent as Guardian

You want your sister; your ex wants their new spouse as guardian. Reality: If you die first, your ex has custody. Their spouse will be involved regardless of your guardian appointment.

Solution: Name a backup guardian for if your ex later dies. Focus your will on trustee provisions protecting your children's inheritance rather than trying to control custody you can't control.

Conflict 2: Ex Has Questionable Parenting (But Not Unsafe)

You disagree with your ex's parenting—different discipline, different values—but there are no safeguarding concerns.

Reality: Your preferences don't override their parental responsibility.

Solution: Focus on trustee provisions protecting inheritance. Write a letter of wishes explaining your values and hopes. Your guardian appointment takes effect if your ex later dies or becomes unable to parent.

Conflict 3: Ex Is Uninvolved/Absent

Your ex has parental responsibility but minimal contact for years. You're concerned they might resurface after your death for financial reasons.

Solution: Name your guardian clearly. Provide for children's inheritance in trust with a trustee you choose (not your ex). Life insurance in trust bypasses your estate entirely—your ex can't access it.

David and Sarah divorced amicably. They discussed guardianship and agreed on Sarah's sister, whom the children knew well and David trusted. Both named her in their wills.

Years later, Sarah remarried. She and David discussed updating to appoint Sarah's new husband and her sister as joint guardians. Both updated their wills. Their children benefited from their parents' cooperation even after divorce.

Emma's ex has parental responsibility, but she has serious concerns about his parenting—chaotic lifestyle, unreliable, though no documented abuse. Emma names her parents as guardians, knowing her ex will get custody when she dies.

She writes a detailed letter of wishes documenting her concerns factually. She explains why she chose her parents. She sets up a trust so her ex cannot access the children's inheritance directly—the trustee (her brother) controls funds and provides for the children's needs.

If her ex's situation deteriorates after Emma's death, her parents have legal standing and documented concerns to apply for guardianship.

The father of Sophie's child has had no contact for five years but still has parental responsibility. Sophie names her sister as guardian and puts her entire estate in trust managed by a separate trustee (her financially savvy friend).

She takes out life insurance in trust payable to her sister for the children's benefit. If the father reappears after Sophie's death, he might get custody, but he won't have access to the finances. Sophie's planning protects her daughter's inheritance regardless of custody outcomes.

How to Create Your Single Parent Will (Step-by-Step)

Creating your will doesn't have to be overwhelming. Follow this step-by-step process.

Step 1: Decide on Your Guardian

Review the guardian decision checklist earlier in this article. Make a list of potential guardians. Consider their values, parenting style, location, and financial stability.

Have an honest conversation with your chosen person. Confirm their willingness. Discuss your expectations and their concerns.

Choose a backup guardian in case your primary choice can't serve.

Step 2: Choose Your Trustee(s)

Decide whether your guardian should also manage your children's inheritance or whether you want a separate trustee.

Consider financial expertise needed. If your estate is complex or substantial, a financially sophisticated trustee matters.

Name a backup trustee.

Step 3: List Your Assets and Debts

Make a comprehensive list:

Property (your home, any rental properties)
Savings accounts and investments
Life insurance policies
Pension schemes
Business interests if you're self-employed
Valuable personal possessions (jewelry, art, collections)
Digital assets (photos, online accounts with value)

List debts too:

Mortgage
Personal loans
Credit cards
Any other outstanding debts

Your estate is your assets minus your debts.

Step 4: Decide on Inheritance Distribution

For most single parents, your entire estate goes to your children equally. But consider:

Small legacies to others (your guardian to thank them, siblings, close friends)
Age for children to inherit (18, 21, 25, or staggered)
Specific items for specific people (your grandmother's ring to your daughter, for example)

Step 5: Choose Your Executor

Your executor administers your estate after your death. They handle probate, pay debts, distribute assets according to your will.

Often the same person as your trustee. Could be different. Must be organized, trustworthy, and willing.

Step 6: Write Your Will

You have three main options:

Traditional Solicitor Route:

Cost: £300-£800 for straightforward wills; complex wills with guardianship and trusts typically cost around £720+
Timeline: 2-6 weeks (multiple appointments, draft revisions)
Requires: Taking time off work, arranging childcare for appointments
Benefits: Face-to-face advice; suitable for complex estates, business assets, overseas property

WUHLD Online Will Service:

Cost: £49.99 one-time payment (no subscriptions)
Timeline: 15 minutes online, complete the same day
Process: Guided step-by-step with clear explanations written for real people
Preview: See your full will before paying anything
Included: Will + Witness Guide + 12-page Testator Guide + Complete Asset Inventory document
Legally valid: Meets all Wills Act 1837 and Children Act 1989 requirements
Suitable for: Straightforward estates (property, savings, guardian appointments)
Updates: Access to update your will as circumstances change

DIY Will Kit:

Cost: £10-£30
Risk: High risk of errors that could invalidate your will
Not recommended for single parents (guardian appointments are too important to risk mistakes)

Factor	Solicitor	WUHLD Online	DIY Will Kit
Cost	£300-£800	£49.99	£10-£30
Time	2-6 weeks	15 minutes	1-2 hours
Legal Validity	✅ Guaranteed	✅ Guaranteed	⚠️ Risk of errors
Convenience	Multiple appointments	Home, any time	Home, any time
Guidance	Expert advice	Guided questions	Minimal guidance
Updates	£100-£300 per update	Included	Buy new kit
Best For	Complex estates, disputes	Straightforward estates	Not recommended

As a single parent, finding time for solicitor appointments—between work, school runs, and solo parenting responsibilities—can feel impossible. That's exactly why WUHLD created an online will service that takes just 15 minutes, costs £49.99, and you can complete from home after the children are in bed.

You preview your complete will before paying anything, so you'll see exactly what you're getting. Unlike solicitor wills that cost £100-£300 to update, you can update your WUHLD will any time as your children grow and circumstances change.

Step 7: Sign Your Will Correctly

Your will requires two witnesses (over 18, not beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries).

You must sign in front of both witnesses. They must sign in your presence and each other's presence.

WUHLD provides a detailed Witness Guide with step-by-step instructions to ensure you execute your will correctly.

Step 8: Store Your Will Safely

Tell your executor and guardian where your will is stored. Common storage options:

Home safe (fireproof)
With your solicitor
At your bank
National Probate Registry (£20 storage fee)

Keep a copy for reference, but the original must be available after your death.

Step 9: Review and Update

Review your will every 3-5 years minimum. Update when:

You have another child
Your guardian's circumstances change significantly
You move house or acquire significant assets
You divorce or enter a new relationship
Your children's other parent's circumstances change
Your financial situation changes substantially

With WUHLD, you can update your will any time with your one-time access—no additional fees for updates.

Your Children's Security Starts Today

You carry so much as a single parent—the sole weight of every decision, every responsibility, every worry about your children's future.

Creating your will isn't adding another burden. It's the one thing that lets you finally set down the heaviest worry of all.

Knowing your children would be protected, cared for by someone you trust, with their inheritance secure—that's the peace of mind every single parent deserves.

Key actions to protect your children:

Name a guardian (and backup) who would love your children and provide stability
Appoint trustees to manage your children's inheritance until they're mature enough
Document your wishes in a legally valid will that meets all UK legal requirements
Create a letter of wishes with guidance for your guardian about your hopes for your children's upbringing
Consider life insurance in trust to provide immediate funds for your guardian
Store your will safely and tell your executor and guardian where to find it
Review your will every few years as your children grow and circumstances change

You can create your legally valid single parent will in the next 15 minutes with WUHLD.

Our guided online service walks you through every decision—from naming your guardian to setting up trusts for your children—with clear explanations written for real people, not lawyers.

You'll preview your complete will before paying anything (no credit card required). If it's right, create all four documents—will, witness guide, 12-page testator guide, and complete estate organizer—for a single £49.99 payment.

No subscriptions. No solicitor appointments. No more putting off the most important decision you'll ever make for your children.

Preview Your Will Free – No Payment Required

Thousands of UK parents have created their wills with WUHLD, protecting their children's futures. Our wills are drafted by qualified legal professionals to meet all UK legal requirements under the Wills Act 1837 and Children Act 1989.

Straightforward estates with guardian appointments, property, and savings are perfect for WUHLD. If your situation is complex—business ownership over £500,000, overseas assets, or estranged family likely to contest your will—we'll let you know during the process that you should consult a solicitor.

But for most single parents, WUHLD gives you the legal protection you need at a price you can afford, in the time you actually have.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about UK wills and guardianship for single parents and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your individual situation—particularly if you have safeguarding concerns about a co-parent, complex custody arrangements, or significant assets—please consult a qualified solicitor. WUHLD's online will service is suitable for straightforward UK estates; complex situations involving disputed custody, business assets over £500,000, or overseas property may require professional legal advice.

If you have serious safeguarding concerns about your child's other parent (involving abuse, neglect, or risk of harm), please consult a specialist family law solicitor. A will alone cannot remove parental responsibility or prevent an unfit parent from gaining custody. Legal intervention requires court orders obtained during your lifetime.

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