We get asked all the time, “Do I Need a Will?” Many people assume Wills are only for later life. In reality, a large number of our clients at Rothco Wills & Estate Planning are in their 20s and 30s. They have mortgages, partners, children and growing savings – and they want to make sure everything is protected if the unexpected happens.
If you are under 40 and wondering whether a Will is really necessary, the answer is almost always yes.
Why younger adults still need a Will
Estate planning is not just about age – it is about responsibility. If any of the following apply to you, having a Will in place is strongly recommended:
- You own a home or are buying with a mortgage.
- You live with a partner but are not married or in a civil partnership.
- You have children or stepchildren.
- You have savings, life insurance or a death-in-service benefit.
- You run a business or have a side income.
Without a valid Will, the law decides who inherits. That can produce very different results from what you would have chosen yourself.
Protecting unmarried partners and modern families
One of the biggest myths we hear is that “common-law partners” have automatic rights. In England and Wales, they do not. If you die without a Will, an unmarried partner may receive nothing, no matter how long you have been together.
A properly drafted Will can:
- Provide directly for your partner.
- Balance support between a partner and children from current or previous relationships.
- Reduce the risk of family disputes later on.
For many younger couples in Alnwick and across the North East, this is the single biggest reason to put a Will in place early.
Guardianship for children under 18
If you have children, deciding who would care for them if you were no longer here is crucial. Without clear instructions, the decision may fall to the courts, and family members may not agree.
Your Will allows you to:
- Appoint trusted guardians to care for your children.
- Set out how you would like them to be brought up.
- Support them financially through specific gifts or trusts.
Many younger parents tell us the biggest relief after making a Will is knowing their children would be looked after by the right people.
Covering your home, savings and life insurance
By your 30s, you may have more of an estate than you realise – a share in a property, workplace pensions, savings, investments or life cover. It is important that these are coordinated and directed in a way that matches your wishes.
A Will can work alongside:
- Property ownership (including joint ownership and tenants in common).
- Life insurance and death-in-service benefits.
- Workplace and private pensions.
- Any business interests or side projects.
Taking advice early helps you avoid gaps and make sure everything pulls in the same direction.
Planning for illness and loss of capacity
Serious illness, accidents and loss of capacity are not limited to older age. Younger adults can also benefit from putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place so someone they trust can manage finances and welfare decisions if needed.
At Rothco, we often recommend looking at Wills and Powers of Attorney together. Both play a vital role in protecting you and your loved ones.
Why starting early makes life easier
Creating a Will in your 20s or 30s does not mean your wishes are fixed forever. Instead, it gives you a strong foundation that can be updated as life changes. It is often far easier to review and tweak an existing Will than to start from scratch during a crisis.
Starting early means:
- Lower stress when big life events happen.
- Less chance of overlooking important details.
- Better long-term planning for tax, property and care.
How Rothco Wills & Estate Planning can support you
We understand that younger adults want clear, straightforward advice without jargon or pressure. Whether you are in Alnwick, elsewhere in Northumberland or further afield, we can guide you through the process step by step.
- Free initial consultation at a time that suits you.
- Plain-English explanations of your options.
- Tailored Wills for couples, parents and single clients.
- Advice on Powers of Attorney, trusts and wider planning.
Take control of your future today
You do not need to wait until “later in life” to protect what you have built and the people you care about.
