Originally published: May 25, 2017 | Last updated: March 1, 2026
Am I Too Young to Write a Last Will and Testament?
No. If you are 18 or older, you are old enough to write a Last Will and Testament — and there are compelling reasons to do so as early as possible. A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after your death, names guardians for minor children, and outlines your final wishes.
Over 60% of adults in the US, UK, and Canada do not have a Will. For expatriates, that number is almost certainly higher because the process of managing assets across multiple countries adds complexity. This means roughly one out of every two adults is completely unprepared for their own death.
What Is the Minimum Age to Write a Will?
The minimum age to write a legally valid Will is 18 years old in most jurisdictions, including England, Wales, the United States, and Canada. There are limited exceptions — for example, active military personnel in some jurisdictions may create a valid Will at a younger age.
If you are under 18, you generally do not need a Will yet. Once you turn 18, it becomes your responsibility to outline how you would like your assets distributed after death. Without a Will, that decision is made for you by the government through intestacy laws.
| Jurisdiction | Minimum Age | Witnesses Required |
|---|---|---|
| England & Wales | 18 | 2 adult witnesses |
| United States (most states) | 18 | 2 adult witnesses |
| Canada (most provinces) | 18 or 19 (varies by province) | 2 adult witnesses |
Why Do Young People Need a Will?
Death does not discriminate by age. Many people assume Wills are only for the elderly or the wealthy, but unexpected events happen at every stage of life. Several high-profile cases demonstrate exactly why young and middle-aged adults need a Will.
What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will?
In 2014, Rik Mayall — a star from the popular ‘The Young Ones’ TV series — passed away unexpectedly without leaving a Will. His family faced extra fees, expenses, and the emotional turmoil of not knowing how he wanted his estate shared.
This pattern repeats constantly. Among musicians alone, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, Billy Holiday, Bob Marley, and Barry White all died without Wills — each case resulting in prolonged legal battles and family disputes.
Key Takeaway
Dying without a Will (known as dying “intestate”) means the government decides who inherits your assets — not you. This often leads to outcomes that the deceased would never have chosen.
How Are Assets Distributed Without a Will in England and Wales?
Under UK intestacy rules, asset distribution follows a rigid formula that ignores your individual circumstances and personal relationships:
- Married or in a civil partnership (no children): Everything goes to your spouse or civil partner.
- Married with children: Your spouse receives personal possessions, the first £250,000 (plus interest), and half of the remainder. Children receive the other half.
- Unmarried couples who live together: The surviving partner has no automatic entitlement under UK intestacy rules — regardless of how long you have lived together. Pursuing a claim requires costly legal action.
- No surviving relatives: The entire estate goes to the Treasury (the Crown).
The following infographic illustrates the intestacy distribution process in England and Wales:
Do I Need a Will If I Don’t Have Much Money?
Yes. A common misconception is that Wills are only for wealthy individuals. In reality, a Last Will and Testament serves multiple purposes beyond distributing financial assets:
- Naming guardians for your children: Without a Will, the courts decide who raises your children.
- Setting out healthcare wishes: Your Will can document your preferences for end-of-life care.
- Disinheriting specific individuals: Without a Will, estranged relatives may inherit your assets by default.
- Protecting unmarried partners: Under intestacy rules, unmarried partners receive nothing automatically.
Additionally, you cannot predict your estate’s future value. Your estate could be worth significantly more at the time of death than during your lifetime — for example, if you die as a result of an accident and compensation is awarded to your estate.
When Should You Especially Consider Writing a Will?
- You own property or have savings, stocks, or bonds
- You have children under 18
- You are in the military or a high-risk occupation
- You live with an unmarried partner
- You have assets in more than one country
- You want specific people to inherit specific items
How Does a Will Protect Your Loved Ones?
UK intestacy laws do not account for individual circumstances, unresolved family disputes, or personal wishes. Without a Will, your estate could pass to distant relatives, ex-partners, or uninvolved parents — while the people you care about most receive nothing.
Not having a Will also virtually guarantees additional costs and stress for your surviving family. As the Rik Mayall case demonstrated, estates without Wills incur extra fees and delays, and can lead to arguments and expensive legal battles among surviving family members.
A properly drafted Will eliminates these risks by clearly documenting your intentions, ensuring your assets reach the right people, and giving your family peace of mind.
How Much Does It Cost to Write a Will?
Cost is the number one reason people give for not writing a Will. Traditional solicitor-drafted Wills can be expensive and inconvenient — requiring appointments, spousal coordination, and additional fees every time your circumstances change.
However, online Will services have dramatically reduced both the cost and time required. Using a service like ExpatLegalWills.com, you can create a legally valid Will covering assets in the UK, US, or Canada from anywhere in the world.
| Method | Typical Cost | Time Required | Updates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional solicitor | £150–£600+ (UK) | Multiple appointments over weeks | Additional fees each time |
| Online Will service | £24.95 / $34.95 USD / $39.95 CAD | About 20 minutes | Update anytime online |
How Do I Create a Will Online?
Creating a Will online is a straightforward process that takes about 20 minutes:
- Complete the online questionnaire: Answer questions about your assets, beneficiaries, and wishes using a guided service like ExpatLegalWills.com.
- Download and print your Will: Once generated, download your completed Will document.
- Sign in the presence of two adult witnesses: The witnesses must not be beneficiaries named in the Will. This step makes the document legally binding.
- Store your Will securely: Keep the signed original in a safe place and inform your executor of its location.
You can update your Will at any time as your circumstances change — whether you marry, have children, acquire new property, or move to a different country.
Don’t Delay — Write Your Will Today
No one can predict the future. From a long and peaceful retirement to an unexpected accident, the timing of death is unknown. Having a Will in place is one of the most responsible and affordable steps you can take to protect your loved ones.
No matter your age, if you are 18 or older and have possessions, relationships, or wishes that matter to you, a Last Will and Testament ensures those wishes are honoured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a Will if I’m 18 years old?
Yes. In the UK, US, and Canada, 18 is the standard minimum age for creating a legally valid Last Will and Testament. Some jurisdictions allow exceptions for active military personnel under 18.
Is an online Will legally valid?
Yes. An online Will is legally valid provided it meets the legal requirements of the relevant jurisdiction — typically, the Will must be in writing, signed by the testator (the person making the Will), and witnessed by two adults who are not beneficiaries.
What happens to my assets if I die without a Will?
If you die without a Will (intestate), your assets are distributed according to the intestacy laws of your jurisdiction. In England and Wales, this means assets pass to your nearest relatives in a fixed order. Unmarried partners have no automatic entitlement, and if you have no surviving relatives, the estate goes to the Crown.
How often should I update my Will?
You should review and update your Will after any major life event, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, purchasing property, or moving to a new country. At minimum, review your Will every 3 to 5 years to ensure it reflects your current wishes.
Do I need a solicitor to write a Will?
No. While a solicitor can provide legal advice, you are not legally required to use one. Online Will-writing services provide a cost-effective alternative that guides you through the process and produces a legally valid document.
Can expats write a Will online?
Yes. Services like ExpatLegalWills.com are specifically designed for expatriates who need a Will to cover assets in the UK, US, or Canada while living abroad. The entire process can be completed from anywhere in the world.
He has over 20 years of experience helping people to write their Will and other estate planning documents. He has been interviewed by many of the major news media outlets and has contributed to articles in most leading publications. He has also contributed to a number of financial planning books.
Throughout his career, Tim has written extensively on the subject of Will writing and estate planning.
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