Top Tips for Making a Will in 2025

Thinking about making a will is never easy but it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your loved ones. Without a valid will, you risk leaving behind confusion, disputes, and unnecessary stress for your family at an already difficult time.

Here are our top tips for making sure your will is clear, valid, and future-proof. 

1. Make a Will

It may sound obvious, but the first step is to actually make a will. Many people put it off, thinking it’s something to worry about later in life. The truth is, none of us knows what’s around the corner. By making a will now, you decide how your estate is distributed and who will take on key responsibilities, rather than leaving it to strict legal rules that may not reflect your wishes.

2. Choose a Professional, Not a DIY Kit

While “do-it-yourself” will kits are tempting, they often cause more problems than they solve. Small mistakes in wording or signing can make a will invalid or, worse, open the door to costly disputes after you’ve gone.

A solicitor can ensure your will is legally binding, properly drafted, and tailored to your situation. Importantly, solicitors are regulated and insured, giving you and your family extra protection. By contrast, many unregulated “will writers” are not. 

3. Appoint Guardians for Your Children

If you have children under 18, your will should include who you want to act as their guardian if you and their other parent were to die. Without this, the court will decide who takes on that role.

This is especially important for unmarried couples. For example, if an unmarried mother dies, the father does not automatically have guardianship unless it has been formally agreed or included in a will. Setting this out clearly avoids uncertainty and ensures your children are cared for by the person you trust.

4. Sign Your Will Correctly

A will isn’t valid until it’s signed and witnessed correctly. This means signing it in the presence of two independent witnesses who are not named in the will (and who are not married to anyone named in the will). Skipping this step, or doing it incorrectly, could invalidate the whole document.

5. Store Your Will Safely

Once signed, don’t hide your will at the back of a drawer. If it can’t be found after your death, it won’t help your family so store it securely. Many people choose their solicitor’s storage facility for peace of mind. Always tell your executors where it’s kept. A will lost to fire, flood, or simple misplacement could cause huge issues later.

Final Thought: Don’t Delay

Our number one tip remains simple: make a will. Whether your estate is modest or complex, it’s the best way to protect the people and causes that matter to you.

If you’d like advice on drafting or updating your will, speak to our experienced team today. Contact Beth King on 020 8313 1300 or email beth.king@marsons.co.uk for friendly, professional guidance.

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