Wills for New Parents: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Family

Emma and James were 32 when their daughter Olivia was born. They talked about making a will countless times – over Sunday breakfast, during midnight feeds, whenever the subject came up. "We really should do that," they'd say, then life would get in the way.

When James died unexpectedly in a cycling accident 18 months later, Emma discovered the devastating reality. Without a will, she couldn't simply ensure her sister would become guardian if something happened to her. The £340,000 estate went to Olivia automatically, but with no clear instructions on trustees or how the money should be managed for their daughter's benefit.

Meanwhile, James's estranged father – someone they'd specifically never wanted involved in Olivia's life – could potentially apply to become a trustee of Olivia's inheritance.

59% of UK parents don't have a will or have one that's out of date. If you're a new parent, you might think you have time. But the reality is stark: without a will, you don't control who raises your child if both parents die, how your assets are managed, or whether your unmarried partner receives anything at all.

This guide covers everything new parents need to know about creating a will that protects your family, appoints the right guardians, and ensures your child's financial future is secure.

Why Every New Parent Needs a Will (Immediately)

The single most important reason to make a will as a parent is simple: it's the only way to legally appoint guardians for your child.

Without a will, you have no say in who raises your children if both parents die. The court decides based on the child's "best interests," which may not align with your preferences. The process can take months, and your children may go into temporary care during legal proceedings.

44% of UK adults have a will, but having a baby changes everything. Your child's welfare now depends entirely on your planning. Three critical areas only a will can address: guardian appointment, trustee appointment for your child's money, and clear instructions on how inheritance should be used.

Even if you don't have significant assets now, you have something invaluable: your child's future care and wellbeing. A will protects that future.

Consider Sarah and Tom, an unmarried couple with a £180,000 flat and two children aged 3 and 5. When Sarah died in a road accident without a will, Tom discovered he had no automatic right to inherit anything. Under intestacy rules, the entire estate went to the children. Tom couldn't access Sarah's half of the flat's value, and the courts needed to appoint trustees to manage the children's inheritance – a process that took eight months and cost thousands in legal fees.

This isn't fear-mongering. It's the reality of dying without a will as a parent.

Making a will isn't dwelling on tragedy – it's an act of love that ensures your children are protected by the people you trust, not by court decisions made without your input.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will as a Parent

If both parents die without a will in England and Wales, the consequences are severe and often heartbreaking.

Guardian Situation:

The court appoints a guardian based on the child's "best interests" under Section 5 of the Children Act 1989. This may be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or even a non-relative if no suitable family member is available. There's no guarantee it's who you would have chosen.

The process can take 6-18 months to resolve. During this time, children may be placed in temporary foster care or with interim carers while family members contest guardianship.

Asset Distribution Under Intestacy:

Under current UK intestacy rules (as of July 2023), if you're married with children, your spouse receives personal effects plus the first £322,000 plus half of the remainder. Children receive the other half.

If you're unmarried, your partner receives nothing. The entire estate goes to your children.

Age 18 Inheritance Problem:

Children automatically receive their full inheritance at 18 with no guidance, restrictions, or phased access. A 18-year-old suddenly inheriting £200,000 can be catastrophic without maturity, financial education, or support.

Trustee Issues:

Courts may appoint trustees you wouldn't choose to manage your child's inheritance. This could include estranged relatives who charge fees or professionals with no connection to your family or values.

Family Disputes:

Without clear written wishes, family members often disagree about guardianship and asset management. These disputes can last years and drain the estate through legal costs.

With a Will vs. Without a Will:

Area	With a Will	Without a Will
Guardian Choice	You choose who raises your child	Court decides based on "best interests"
Inheritance Timing	You set age (21, 25, 30, phased)	Automatic at age 18
Trustee Selection	You appoint trusted people	Court appoints, often strangers
Unmarried Partner	Protected if named in will	Receives nothing under intestacy
Your Wishes	Clear, legally binding instructions	Court interprets what might be "best"

The difference between having a will and not having one as a parent isn't just administrative – it's the difference between your family being cared for according to your values and wishes, or according to strangers' judgments and inflexible legal rules.

Appointing Guardians: Your Most Important Decision

Choosing who will raise your child if you die is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever make. But it's also one of the most important protections you can provide.

Legal Framework:

Under Section 5 of the Children Act 1989, parents with parental responsibility can appoint guardians in their will. The appointment must be in writing, dated, and signed in the presence of two witnesses.

The guardian appointment only takes effect if both parents have died. If one parent survives, they automatically retain care (unless a court decides otherwise for child protection reasons).

Who Can You Appoint:

You can appoint up to four guardians, though most parents choose two (usually a couple). The guardians gain parental responsibility for your child, meaning they make all major decisions about education, healthcare, religion, and daily care.

Key Factors to Consider:

When choosing guardians, think carefully about:

Age and Health: Will they be physically capable of raising a child for 15-20 years? A guardian who's 65 when your baby is born will be 80 when your child turns 15.

Location: Will your child need to uproot from their community, friends, and school? Moving 200 miles away might be necessary, but it's a significant consideration for your child's wellbeing.

Values and Parenting Philosophy: Do they share your approach to discipline, education, religion, and lifestyle? You want someone whose parenting aligns with how you'd raise your child.

Financial Stability: Can they afford to care for another child? While your estate will provide funds, day-to-day financial stability matters for providing a secure home.

Existing Relationship: Does your child know them well? A strong existing bond makes the transition easier during an already traumatic time.

Willingness and Ability: Have you discussed this with them? They must genuinely want to take on this enormous responsibility.

Family Dynamics: How will caring for your child affect their existing children? Will it cause resentment or strain their family?

Example Decision Process:

Sophie and David were weighing two options for their 2-year-old daughter. Sophie's sister lived 180 miles away, owned a four-bedroom home, shared their values on education and religion, and the two families were extremely close. David's best friends lived locally in the same school catchment, but had three children already in a three-bedroom house and different views on private education.

After several conversations, they chose Sophie's sister as primary guardian and David's friends as substitute guardians. The sister's values alignment and financial stability outweighed the location challenge, particularly as their daughter could maintain her relationship with the local friends as she grew up.

Substitute Guardians:

Always name substitute guardians in case your primary choice dies first, moves abroad, or changes their mind when the time comes. Life circumstances change over 15-20 years.

Discussing With Chosen Guardians:

You must discuss your choice with potential guardians before including them in your will. Ask:

Are you willing and able to take on this responsibility?
Have you considered the financial, emotional, and practical implications?
Are your partner/spouse in full agreement?
What would you need from us (financially, practically) to make this work?
Can we document your agreement in writing?

Having this conversation is uncomfortable, but it's essential. A guardian who discovers the appointment only after your death may feel unable to refuse even if they're not truly willing or able.

Can You Appoint Different Guardians for Different Children?

Yes, you can legally appoint different guardians for different children, though it's generally not recommended. Courts consider keeping siblings together important for their welfare. Different guardians are typically only appropriate if children have different parentage (from previous relationships) or significant age gaps with very different needs.

Remember: the court always has final say and can overrule your appointment if they believe it's not in the child's best interests. However, courts give significant weight to parental wishes expressed in a valid will.

Appointing Trustees: Managing Your Child's Inheritance

Many parents don't realize that guardians and trustees are separate roles with different responsibilities.

Guardian vs. Trustee:

A guardian raises the child and makes daily decisions about their care, education, and wellbeing. A trustee manages the money and assets left to the child, making financial decisions in the child's best interests until they reach the specified age.

These can be the same people, but separating the roles provides oversight and protects against potential financial mismanagement or conflicts of interest.

Trustee Responsibilities:

Trustees must:

Invest and manage assets prudently
Make financial decisions in the child's best interests
Distribute funds for education, health, and maintenance before the inheritance age
Keep detailed accounts and records
Act impartially if managing funds for multiple children
Potentially be held legally liable for mismanagement

This is significant responsibility requiring financial competence and absolute trustworthiness.

Who Should You Choose as Trustees:

Consider appointing 2-3 trustees for oversight and shared decision-making. Options include:

Family members or friends: Free but may lack financial sophistication. Best if they have good money management skills and integrity.

Professional trustees: Solicitors, accountants, or trust corporations charge fees (typically 1-2% of assets annually) but bring expertise and objectivity. Best for large estates or complex situations.

Mixed approach: One professional trustee and one family member combines expertise with personal knowledge of the child.

Age Restrictions and Inheritance Timing:

Under UK law, children cannot legally inherit assets directly until age 18. Assets must be held in trust until then at minimum.

However, your will can specify any age over 18 for inheritance. Increasingly popular options include:

Age 21: Young adult has finished university but gained some maturity
Age 25: Often settled in career, more financially responsible
Age 30: Fully mature adult with life experience
Phased inheritance: For example, one-third at 21, one-third at 25, one-third at 30

Even if you delay capital inheritance past 18, your child automatically becomes entitled to income from the trust at 18.

Trust Provisions and Instructions:

Your will should include:

Trustee powers: What trustees can use funds for before the inheritance age (education, healthcare, housing, living expenses, business start-up, wedding, first home deposit).

Letter of wishes: A non-binding document with guidance on how you'd like funds used. For example: "I'd prefer trustees prioritize university education and provide a deposit for a first home."

Specific restrictions: For example, "Trustees should not distribute funds for purposes they believe contrary to the child's long-term wellbeing."

Example Trust Structure:

Michael and Lisa had a £400,000 estate and two children aged 2 and 4. Their will created a trust with inheritance at age 25, but allowed trustees to distribute funds earlier for:

University tuition and living expenses
Post-graduate education or professional training
Deposit for first home (up to £50,000)
Emergency medical expenses
Business start-up costs (with business plan approval)

When their daughter turned 22, trustees approved £40,000 for a home deposit, helping her get on the property ladder while preserving most of her inheritance for age 25 when she'd have more financial maturity.

This structure gave their children support when needed while protecting the bulk of inheritance until they were truly ready.

Special Considerations for Unmarried Parents

If you're unmarried with children, you face critical legal vulnerabilities that many couples don't realize exist.

The Brutal Reality:

"Common law marriage" does not exist in UK law. Unmarried partners have zero automatic inheritance rights under intestacy rules – regardless of how long you've lived together, whether you own property together, or whether you have children together.

If you die without a will, your entire estate goes to your children. Your partner of 10 years receives nothing.

What This Means in Practice:

Consider unmarried couple Rachel and Ben with two children and a £300,000 home they own jointly as tenants in common. When Rachel died without a will:

Rachel's 50% share of the house (£150,000) went to their children aged 5 and 7
Ben couldn't access or sell the house without court permission
He needed to negotiate with court-appointed trustees managing his own children's inheritance
He couldn't easily remortgage or move
The legal fees cost over £8,000

All of this while grieving and caring for two young children alone.

Parental Responsibility:

Both parents should ensure they have parental responsibility, which is automatic for:

Mothers (always)
Fathers married to the mother when the child was born
Unmarried fathers registered on the birth certificate (after December 2003)

Unmarried fathers registered on birth certificates before December 2003, or not registered at all, need a parental responsibility agreement or court order.

Without parental responsibility, you cannot appoint guardians in your will.

Inheritance Act Claims:

Unmarried partners can make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 if they've cohabited for at least two years immediately before death.

However, they must prove financial dependency and awards are typically much less than a surviving spouse would receive. Claims are stressful, expensive (£5,000-20,000+ in legal fees), and take months or years to resolve.

Why put your partner through this during the worst time of their life when a will would protect them completely?

The Solution:

A will is absolutely essential for unmarried couples. Your will should:

Explicitly state what your partner inherits (typically the entire estate, or a life interest in your share of property with children inheriting after partner's death)
Appoint your partner as guardian if you want them to continue raising your children (if you have parental responsibility)
Appoint trustees (potentially including your partner) to manage any inheritance for children
Specify that your partner can continue living in the family home

Additional Protections:

Life insurance: Name your partner as beneficiary to provide immediate financial support
Joint tenancy: If you own property as joint tenants (not tenants in common), ownership automatically passes to the surviving partner outside the will
Pension nominations: Name your partner as beneficiary for death-in-service benefits

Cohabitation Statistics:

3.6 million families in the UK are cohabiting couples with children. The majority of these families have no will protecting the surviving partner.

If you're unmarried with children, making a will isn't just important – it's urgent.

What to Include in Your Will as a New Parent

Creating your will as a parent requires covering several essential provisions. Here's everything you need to include:

Essential Provisions:

Full legal names and addresses of you (the testators), executors, guardians, and trustees
Revocation of previous wills (your new will cancels any old ones)
Executor appointments – 2-3 people you trust to administer your estate, handle probate, and ensure your wishes are carried out
Guardian appointments for all children under 18, plus substitute guardians in case primary choices are unable to serve
Trustee appointments for managing children's inheritance (can be same people as guardians or executors)
Age(s) of inheritance – when children receive assets (minimum 18, but you can specify 21, 25, 30, or phased)
Specific bequests – particular items or amounts to specific people (sentimental items, heirlooms, gifts to godparents)
Residuary estate distribution – what happens to "everything else" after specific gifts and debts are paid
Letter of wishes – optional non-binding document with guidance for guardians and trustees

Specific Bequests to Consider:

Family heirlooms or jewelry intended for children when they're older
Sentimental items (photo albums, special toys, baby memorabilia)
Items for guardians who'll care for your children (to help maintain continuity)
Gifts to godparents or other significant people in your child's life

Residuary Estate Distribution:

For married couples with children, typical structures include:

"All to spouse, then to children": Everything goes to surviving spouse; when they die, everything goes to children. Simple but gives spouse complete control.
"Life interest for spouse, remainder to children": Spouse can use assets (live in house, receive income) but can't sell or give away the capital, which is preserved for children. Protects children's inheritance if spouse remarries.

For unmarried couples, be explicit: "I give my entire estate to my partner [full name]. If my partner does not survive me by 30 days, I give my estate to my children in equal shares."

Letter of Wishes:

This non-binding document provides guidance on:

Child-rearing values and priorities
Education preferences (state vs. private, religious education, university expectations)
Religious or cultural traditions you want maintained
Information about children's personalities, needs, and preferences
How you'd like trustees to use funds for children's benefit
Family traditions or connections you want preserved

Guardians and trustees aren't legally bound by a letter of wishes, but most will respect your guidance when making decisions.

Funeral Wishes:

Include a brief statement about burial or cremation preferences, but keep detailed funeral plans in a separate document. Wills often aren't read until after funerals take place.

Remember: your will should be clear but comprehensive. Ambiguity can lead to disputes, delays, and legal challenges that drain your estate and cause family conflict.

Understanding Trusts for Children Under 18

If you're leaving assets to children, understanding trusts is essential. The rules can seem complex, but the principles are straightforward.

The Basic Rule:

Children under 18 cannot legally inherit assets directly in the UK. Assets must be held in trust until age 18 at minimum, or older if your will specifies.

How Trusts Work:

Trustees legally own and manage the assets on behalf of your child. Your child is the beneficial owner – they'll ultimately receive the assets. Trustees make decisions in your child's best interests until the specified age.

Trustees can use trust funds for your child's "maintenance, education, and benefit" before the inheritance age. This might include school fees, university costs, medical expenses, or living expenses if needed.

Types of Trusts for Children:

Bare Trust:

The simplest form. Your child is entitled to the assets at age 18 and gains automatic entitlement to income at 18. Trustees hold the assets passively until then.

Bereaved Minor Trust (Section 71A):

Created when a parent leaves assets to their own children or stepchildren, who will inherit by age 18. No inheritance tax when the child reaches 18. The child gains automatic entitlement to the income at 18. Can only be created by parents for their own children or stepchildren.

Age 18-25 Trust:

Allows parents to delay their children's inheritance until age 25 (or any age between 18-25). Reduced inheritance tax charges: 1.8% if inherits at 21, 4.2% if inherits at 25. Can only be created by parents for their own children or stepchildren. Child still entitled to income at 18.

Flexible Age Provisions:

Your will can specify any age over 18 for capital inheritance – commonly 21, 25, or 30. You can create phased inheritance structures:

One-third at 21, one-third at 25, one-third at 30
Half at 25, half at 30
Full inheritance at 30

Phased inheritance gives children access to some funds as they mature while preserving the bulk of inheritance for when they're truly ready to manage significant wealth.

Practical Example:

David and Emma left £250,000 to their daughter with a trust structured for inheritance at age 25. Their will instructed trustees to use funds for:

State school supplementary costs (music lessons, sports equipment, school trips)
University tuition and reasonable living expenses
One year of travel or work experience after university (up to £15,000)
Deposit for first home (up to £50,000)

Between ages 18-25, trustees used:

£25,000 for university tuition and rent
£12,000 for a post-university year working abroad
£45,000 for a first home deposit at age 24

At age 25, their daughter received the remaining £168,000, having already used trust funds to establish her education and get on the property ladder. The trust structure gave her support when needed while preserving capital for full maturity.

Tax Implications:

Tax rules for trusts are complex. Key points:

No inheritance tax on death if assets left to children in an appropriate trust structure (bereaved minor or 18-25 trust)
Potential tax charges if inheritance delayed past 18 (except in bereaved minor or 18-25 trusts)
Income generated by the trust is taxed, though rates vary depending on trust type

For estates over the inheritance tax threshold (£325,000 individual, £500,000 with residence nil-rate band if leaving home to children, up to £1 million combined for couples), consult a tax advisor about optimal trust structures.

The Practical Process: Creating Your Will

You have three main options for creating a will as a parent. Each has advantages depending on your circumstances.

Option 1: Solicitor

Cost: £150-500 for a single will, £250-700 for mirror wills (couples)

Process: Initial consultation (30-60 minutes), solicitor drafts will based on instructions, review meeting to check draft, final signing with witnesses at solicitor's office or your home

Timeline: 2-4 weeks typically

Best for: Complex estates (business assets, overseas property, multiple marriages), significant wealth over inheritance tax thresholds, special needs children requiring specialist trusts, expected family disputes

Pros: Expert legal advice, personalized service, handles complex situations, solicitor can act as executor if needed

Cons: Expensive for straightforward wills, requires multiple appointments, lengthy timeline, intimidating for some people

Option 2: Online Will Service

Cost: £20-160 depending on provider and features

Process: Complete online questionnaire (15-60 minutes), review and customize document, print and sign with witnesses at home

Timeline: 15-60 minutes (same day)

Best for: Straightforward estates, tech-comfortable people, busy parents without time for appointments, budget-conscious families

Pros: Affordable, fast, convenient (complete at any time), preview before paying, can be done in pajamas during nap time

Cons: Less suitable for very complex situations, no face-to-face advice, requires self-service approach

Option 3: Will Writer

Cost: £100-300 typically

Process: Phone or face-to-face consultation, professional drafts will, signing appointment in person or at home

Timeline: 1-2 weeks

Best for: Those wanting human guidance but lower cost than solicitor, people less comfortable with online services

Pros: Personal service at lower cost than solicitor, some face-to-face support

Cons: Will writers aren't regulated like solicitors, quality varies, still requires appointments

WUHLD Process:

For £49.99 (one-time payment, no subscriptions), you get:

Guided online questionnaire taking approximately 15 minutes
Step-by-step guidance through all provisions (executors, guardians, trustees, beneficiaries, inheritance ages)
Parent-specific prompts and explanations
Preview your complete will free before paying (no credit card required)
Four documents included: your will, 12-page testator guide, witness guide, complete estate inventory
Meets all UK legal requirements
Update anytime if circumstances change

You can complete your will during nap time, after bedtime, or whenever suits you – no appointments, no office visits, no pressure.

Information You'll Need:

Gather these details before starting:

Full legal names and addresses for you, your partner, executors, guardians, and trustees
Children's full names and dates of birth
Asset overview (approximate values of property, savings, investments, pensions – exact figures not required)
Specific bequests you want to make
Confirmation you've discussed guardian and trustee roles with chosen people

Signing Requirements:

Your will must be signed in the presence of two independent witnesses who watch you sign and then sign themselves.

Witnesses must be:

Over 18
Mentally capable
Not beneficiaries in the will
Not married to or in civil partnership with beneficiaries
Present together when you sign (all three people in same room)

All three people must sign the same document in the same session. Your witnesses don't need to read the will – they're simply confirming they watched you sign it.

After Signing:

Store your will safely in a fireproof box, bank safe deposit box, or with a solicitor. Tell your executors where the will is located – a will that can't be found is useless.

Consider registering your will with the National Will Register (£25-40 one-time fee) so it can be located when needed.

Review your will every 3-5 years or after major life events (additional children, marriage, divorce, moving abroad, significant asset changes).

Cost Comparison (10-Year View):

Option	Initial Cost	Updates (2x)	Total 10-Year Cost	Time Required
Solicitor	£300-700	£120-280	£420-980	6-10 hours (appointments)
Online Service (typical)	£80-160	£40-80	£120-240	2-3 hours total
WUHLD	£49.99	£0-49.99	£49.99-99.98	45 minutes total

The difference between the cheapest and most expensive option over 10 years could be £900+. For a straightforward estate, that's money better spent on your children's future.

When to Update Your Will as Your Family Grows

Your will isn't a "set and forget" document. As your family and circumstances change, your will should too.

Life Events Requiring Will Updates:

Birth of additional children: Each new child should be added to guardian appointments, trustee provisions, and inheritance distributions. Inheritance shares need recalculating.

Marriage: Marriage automatically revokes previous wills in England and Wales. If you made a will while unmarried and then marry, it becomes invalid immediately. You must make a new will after marriage.

Divorce or separation: Divorce automatically removes your ex-spouse from your will as a beneficiary and executor, but guardian appointments remain valid if you have children together. Update your will to appoint new executors and clarify intentions.

Death of guardian or trustee: If someone you've appointed dies, becomes seriously ill, or becomes unsuitable, update your will immediately to appoint replacements.

Significant change in assets: Buying property, receiving inheritance, selling a business, or significant wealth increase may require adjusting provisions and inheritance tax planning.

Relationship breakdown with chosen guardians/trustees: If you no longer trust or agree with people you've appointed, update your will before it's too late.

Moving abroad: Different countries have different laws. If you or beneficiaries move internationally, seek advice on whether your UK will remains valid.

Changes in tax laws: Inheritance tax thresholds and rules change periodically. Major changes may warrant reviewing your estate planning.

Recommended Review Schedule:

Every 3-5 years as standard practice
After any major life event (immediately)
When children reach milestones (start school, become teenagers, reach 18)
When your assets increase significantly
When guardians or trustees experience major life changes

How to Update:

For minor changes (updating addresses, adding a new child, changing a specific gift), you can add a codicil – a formal amendment document that must be witnessed like a will.

For major changes (changing guardians, restructuring inheritance, remarrying), create an entirely new will. This is simpler and clearer than multiple codicils.

Common Updates Parents Make:

Adding second or third child born after the first will
Changing guardian choice as children develop relationships with different people
Adjusting inheritance age as children mature (may lower or raise based on their development)
Adding more specific provisions for education, special needs, or particular circumstances
Updating asset distribution as wealth grows

What NOT to Do:

Never handwrite changes on your will – this can invalidate it entirely. Never sign a will with blank spaces – these can be challenged in court. Never store your signed will in someone else's sole possession without knowing its location – it could be "lost" or destroyed by someone who disagrees with its contents.

Example of Why Updates Matter:

Kate and Simon made a will after their first daughter was born, naming her by name as sole beneficiary. When their son was born two years later, they forgot to update the will.

When Simon died unexpectedly, the will technically only mentioned their daughter by name. While their son would likely succeed in a court challenge (children have strong inheritance rights), the legal process cost £6,000 and took 14 months. A simple £50 will update would have prevented this entirely.

Keep your will current. Your circumstances will change – make sure your protection changes with them.

Cost Breakdown and Affordable Options

"I can't afford to make a will" is one of the most common reasons parents delay this critical protection. But the reality is that not having a will costs far more.

Solicitor Costs (2024-2025):

Single will: £150-500 for straightforward estates, £500-5,000+ for complex situations
Mirror wills (couples): £250-700 for straightforward estates
Updates/codicils: £30-70 each time
Executor fees if solicitor acts as executor: 1-5% of estate value (£5,000-25,000+ on a typical £300,000 estate)

Solicitor costs vary significantly by location and complexity. London solicitors typically charge 30-50% more than regional firms.

Online Will Services:

Range from £20 (basic template with limited guidance) to £160 (comprehensive service with support). Most reputable services charge £50-100 for straightforward wills.

Updates typically included free or £20-50. No ongoing fees or subscriptions with reputable providers.

Free Options:

Free Wills Month (March and October): For people over 55, participating solicitors provide simple wills free. Limited to straightforward estates, often with waiting lists.

Charity Will Schemes: Some charities offer free will writing in exchange for considering a charitable bequest. Ethical considerations vary – no obligation to leave anything to charity, but implied expectation.

Limitations: Usually only basic wills, may have waiting lists of several months, limited to certain circumstances.

WUHLD Value Proposition:

For £49.99 one-time payment, you get:

Complete guided online will-writing service
Parent-specific guidance on guardians, trustees, and children's inheritance
Preview your entire will free before paying (no credit card required)
Four documents: legally binding will, 12-page testator guide explaining how to execute your will properly, witness guide to give your witnesses, complete asset inventory document
All UK legal requirements met
Updates included if circumstances change
No subscriptions, hidden fees, or ongoing costs
15 minutes vs. weeks of solicitor appointments
Complete at any time that suits you

That's 50-90% less than solicitor costs and competitive with online services – while including more comprehensive guidance and support documents.

The True Cost of NOT Having a Will:

Consider what happens without a will:

Court costs for appointing guardians: £500-2,000+
Higher intestacy administration costs vs. standard probate
Family disputes leading to litigation: £10,000-100,000+ in legal fees
Inheritance Act claims by unmarried partners: £5,000-50,000+ in legal fees
Professional trustees imposed by court: 1-2% annual fees on your child's inheritance (£2,000-4,000 per year on a £200,000 inheritance)
Emotional cost to your family: immeasurable

A family stuck in a guardianship dispute for 18 months, with children in temporary care and £25,000+ in legal fees, would give anything to go back in time and spend £50 on a will.

Peace of Mind ROI:

For less than a family meal out, you can ensure:

Your children are cared for by people you choose
Your partner is protected (especially if unmarried)
Your assets are distributed according to your wishes
Your children's inheritance is managed properly
Your family avoids court battles and legal fees

That's not just good value – it's priceless.

Making a will isn't an expense. It's an investment in your family's future that costs less than your monthly streaming subscriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens to my child if I die without a will?

A: If both parents die without a will, the court appoints a guardian based on your child's "best interests" under Section 5 of the Children Act 1989. This process can take 6-18 months, during which your child may be placed in temporary care. The court may not choose the person you would have wanted.

Q: Can I change guardians after making my will?

A: Yes, you can update your will anytime to change guardian appointments. Either create a new will (which revokes the previous one) or add a codicil (formal amendment). The change must be witnessed just like the original will. It's wise to review guardian choices every few years.

Q: Do unmarried parents have the same rights as married couples?

A: No. Unmarried partners have no automatic inheritance rights under UK intestacy rules, regardless of how long you've lived together or whether you have children together. If you die without a will, your entire estate goes to your children and your partner receives nothing.

Q: At what age can my child inherit in the UK?

A: Children cannot inherit directly until age 18 minimum. However, your will can specify any age over 18 – commonly 21, 25, or 30. You can also create phased inheritance (portions at different ages). Even if you delay the capital inheritance, your child becomes entitled to income from the trust at age 18.

Q: How much does a will cost for parents in the UK?

A: Costs vary by method. Solicitors charge £150-500 for single wills or £250-700 for couples. Online will services range from £20-160. WUHLD offers complete wills with all necessary documents for £49.99. Free options exist for over-55s through Free Wills Month.

Q: What's the difference between a guardian and a trustee?

A: A guardian raises your child and makes daily decisions about care, education, and wellbeing. A trustee manages the money and assets left to your child. These can be the same people, but separating roles provides oversight and protects against financial mismanagement.

Q: Do both parents need to agree on guardians?

A: Ideally, yes. If parents are married or both have parental responsibility, both can appoint guardians independently in their wills. If appointments differ, courts consider what's in the child's best interests. It's far better to discuss and agree on guardians together.

Q: Can grandparents be guardians?

A: Yes, you can appoint grandparents as guardians if they're willing and able. Consider their age and health carefully – they need to be capable of caring for a child potentially for 15-20 years. Many parents appoint grandparents with younger substitute guardians named in case of ill health.

Protect Your Children's Future Today

Making a will as a parent is the single most important protection you can provide for your children. Here's what matters:

Appointing guardians in your will is the only way to legally control who raises your children if both parents die – without this, courts decide
Unmarried partners have no automatic inheritance rights; without a will, your partner receives nothing and your children inherit everything at age 18
You can control when children inherit by specifying ages (21, 25, 30, or phased) and appointing trustees to manage money until they're ready
Creating a legally valid will takes 15 minutes online with WUHLD for £49.99 – less than the cost of a family meal out
Review and update your will every 3-5 years and after major life events to keep your family's protection current

The 15 minutes you invest today could be the most important protection you ever provide for your child.

Thinking about who will care for your child if you die is painful. But making a will isn't dwelling on tragedy – it's an act of love and responsibility that gives you control over your family's future.

Create your will with WUHLD today for just £49.99. Our guided online process takes 15 minutes and covers all essential parent provisions including guardian and trustee appointments.

Preview your complete will free before paying (no credit card required) and receive four documents:

Your complete, legally binding will
12-page testator guide explaining exactly how to execute your will properly
Witness guide to give your witnesses
Complete asset inventory document

Protect your child's future in the time it takes to watch a TV show.

Preview Your Will Free – No Payment Required

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about UK will requirements and estate planning for parents. It does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your individual situation, particularly if you have complex family circumstances, significant assets over inheritance tax thresholds, overseas property, business assets, or special needs children requiring specialist trusts, please consult a qualified solicitor. WUHLD's online will service is suitable for straightforward UK estates; complex situations may require professional legal advice.

Guardian Appointment Note: Guardian appointments should be discussed with your chosen guardians before including them in your will to ensure they're willing and able to accept this responsibility. This conversation is essential for their preparation and your peace of mind.

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