Fewer than four in ten adults in the UK now have a will, according to new research that warns of the growing risks families face when a loved one dies without leaving formal instructions about how their estate should be divided.

The National Wills Report 2025, published by The National Will Register, found that just 37% of UK adults have written a will — a sharp fall from around 50% in previous years. The findings suggest that while people are increasingly comfortable talking about death, they are still failing to take the practical steps needed to protect their families.

The survey of more than 2,000 people found that younger generations are particularly unprepared.

Only one in five 18- to 24-year-olds have made a will, compared with over half of those aged 55 and above. Although a third of adults say they plan to write a will within the next year, researchers warn that good intentions rarely turn into action.

A lack of knowledge and confidence remains a major barrier. One in four respondents said they simply didn’t know how to make a will, while others were worried about getting it wrong. Most of those who have made one relied on professional help rather than DIY templates, reflecting a clear preference for expert guidance.

Even when wills are written, many are never found. Nearly a third of people with a will haven’t told anyone where it is kept, and half of adults don’t know where their parents’ wills are. The report warns that these “shadow wills” can leave families searching desperately for vital documents at a time of grief and confusion.

What happens if you don’t make a will

If you die without a valid will, your estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy, which set out a strict legal order of who inherits what. That may not reflect your wishes. For example, unmarried partners are not automatically entitled to inherit, and stepchildren have no automatic right to a share unless they are specifically included.

Without a will, your loved ones could also face delays, legal disputes and unexpected costs. Arguments between relatives are common when no clear instructions exist, and some estates can remain unsettled for months or even years.

A will allows you to decide who should inherit your home, savings and personal possessions. It can also name guardians for your children, make gifts to charity, and simplify the work of those left to handle your affairs.

Taking the simple step of contacting a solicitor to make a will can spare your loved ones from uncertainty and ensure your final wishes are carried out exactly as you intend.