Who Needs A Will The Most?

Everyone should have a will, but for some the need is more pressing than for others. Whereas younger people (for example, those in their 20s or 30s) are less likely to die (barring accidents, of course) than those who are older, and they also have fewer assets, those in their 40s and above will have generally lived for long enough to acquire savings, property, and other possessions. They are also statistically more likely to die than those younger than them.

So although it is vital for everyone to make a will, the older you are, and the more assets you have accumulated, the more important it is. Younger people can possibly afford to 'put off' making their will if they need or want to, as long as they do it eventually.

This should not be the case when you have children, however. Couples are more likely to have children in their 20s and 30s than at any other age, so although normally this would be the age that can 'wait' to write their wills, when children are involved everything changes. Once you become a parent, you should make sure that your child or children are cared for, and write a will.

The likelihood of both you and your spouse or partner dying at the same time is low, but it can happen. If it did, who would become guardians of your children? Without noting it down in your will, it would be up to the courtsto decide, and an outcome you may not have wanted could come about. When making a will and including those who you would want to look after your children should you die, it is essential that you check with your chosen guardian first, in case there is a reason they would not want to take on the role of guardian. It is also important to check with your partner that both of your wills name the same person or people, otherwise there will be a major issue should you both pass away at the same time.

If you are a single parent then it is perhaps even more important to ensure that you have written a will. Without any family to go to, if you died then your child would be put into care, possibly to be fostered or adopted. Is that something you are comfortable with? Is it what you want? If not then simply naming a guardian in your will will give you comfort.

Hopefully these measures will never need to be taken, but it is, as they say, better to be safe than sorry.