The 3 Biggest Myths About Wills

When most people think about Wills, they imagine something distant, something for the elderly, the wealthy, or the seriously ill. But the truth is, a Will is one of the most important legal documents any adult can create, regardless of age, wealth, or circumstance.

At Swiftwills, we’ve helped people across the UK take control of their future with Wills that are affordable, straightforward, and legally sound. But first, let’s clear up some of the most common myths that stop people from getting started.

Myth 1: “Wills Are Only for the Wealthy”

This misconception is one of the most damaging, and furthest from the truth. You don’t need to own a mansion or have six figures in the bank to benefit from having a Will. In fact, most people own more than they realise.

The reality is that over 60% of UK adults own some form of property or savings that would need to be passed on when they die. Whether it’s a house, savings, car, pension, insurance policies, or sentimental belongings, these assets make up your estate

According to the UK government's Office for National Statistics, the average net worth per household is £302,500. That includes things many people forget to account for: your digital assets, joint accounts, workplace benefits, or even your pet. A Will ensures every element of your life is considered and protected.

When someone dies without a Will, the law steps in. This is called dying “intestate”, and in such cases, fixed rules determine who inherits. These rules don’t consider personal relationships or individual circumstances — meaning partners you’re not married to, stepchildren, or close friends could be entirely left out. A Will gives you the final say and ensures the people and causes you care about are looked after in the way you intend.

Swiftwills make this accessible to everyone. We offer a simple online platform where anyone in the UK — whether in London, Cardiff, Belfast, or Inverness — can create a legally valid Will from just £75. You don’t need to navigate complex legal jargon or spend hundreds on solicitors’ fees. Just clarity, peace of mind, and complete control.

Myth 2: “I’m Too Young to Need a Will”

It’s easy to think of Wills as something only necessary in old age. But the need for a Will is about life, not death. The moment you have responsibilities — like owning property, getting married, having children, or even just starting to build savings — a Will becomes relevant. Life can change in an instant, and having your affairs in order protects not just your assets but your loved ones.

So consider this: more than one in five UK adults under 35 now own a home, and many more have savings, pensions, or dependents. If you’ve started building a life, however modest, you already have something worth protecting.

Imagine, for example, that you and your partner have just bought your first home together. If you're not married and one of you dies without a Will, the surviving partner could end up with no legal claim to the property, even if you shared the mortgage. Or if you have children, a Will allows you to name guardians and make provisions that reflect your values and priorities.

In fact, 12.6 million adults in the UK have dependent children, according to the latest ONS data. A Will allows you to designate guardians for your children should anything happen to you, something no other legal document can do. Without it, the court may decide who raises your children.

We’ve built our service with modern life in mind. You can create your Will online in as little as 15 minutes, and update it easily whenever life changes — new job, new baby, new home. Your first year of updates is free, and ongoing updates cost just £10 a year, making it easy to keep your Will current without starting over each time.

Myth 3: “Writing a Will Is Complicated, Expensive, and Time Consuming”

This myth may have been true in the past. Traditional Will-writing often involved booking appointments, visiting a solicitor, and paying high fees in excess of £300–£500 for something that felt overly formal and intimidating.

But now, things are different. A 2023 IRN Research survey found that 44% of UK adults prefer to write a Will online — but only a fraction have done so due to fear of complexity.

But times have changed—and thankfully, so has the process. Just as we now do banking, taxes, and even medical appointments online, Will-writing has evolved too.

A 2023 survey by IRN Research found that over 44% of UK adults would prefer to write a Will online, yet only 15% of those have done so. That gap is largely due to fear: fear of doing it wrong, or of getting lost in legal jargon.

Swiftwills closes that gap with a guided, jargon-free process built for real people. Our process takes you through each step, using plain English and intuitive questions to help you make informed choices.

Creating a Will with Swiftwills isn’t just simpler, it’s smarter. It’s secure, and tailored to reflect your life today, with the flexibility to evolve as your life does.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Today, 54% of UK adults don’t have a Will — including many who have children, own homes, or run businesses. That’s more than 28 million people leaving their estates to chance.

You might think your wishes are obvious or that your family “will know what to do.” But the legal system doesn’t work that way. Without written instructions, even the closest families can face delays, disputes, or painful decisions at a difficult time.

So many people put off making a Will, telling themselves they’ll “get to it someday.” But someday often comes unexpectedly — and by then, it might be too late. The truth is, creating a Will is one of the most thoughtful, responsible things you can do for your family, friends, and future self.

At Swiftwills, we believe everyone deserves the confidence of knowing their wishes will be respected. Whether you’re 28 or 78, we make it easy to take that step, wherever you are in the UK.