Newlife Wills – Making Will Writing Simple

When most people sit down to write a Will, they think about the big things: who gets the house, who inherits the savings, and who will look after the children. But there are so many important details that often get missed - and these are the details that can save families stress, arguments and even thousands of pounds.

Here are 10 things most people forget to include in their Will, and why they matter.

1️⃣ Guardianship for Children

One of the biggest things people overlook. If you have children under 18, your Will should clearly state who becomes their legal guardian. Without this, the courts decide - not your family.

2️⃣ A Backup Guardian

Life changes. Your first-choice guardian could become unwell, move away, or simply no longer be able to take on the role. A reserve guardian ensures your children always have someone you trust.

3️⃣ Digital Assets

From online banking and PayPal accounts to social media profiles and cloud photo albums - your digital life matters. Your Will should include:

✔ who can access your accounts

✔ passwords stored safely

✔ how you want online profiles handled after death

4️⃣ Personal Possessions & Sentimental Items

Jewellery, family heirlooms, collections or items with emotional value often cause the biggest arguments. Be specific about who gets what to avoid misunderstandings.

5️⃣ Funeral Wishes

Burial? Cremation? A certain song? A special place? You can even state if you have a prepaid funeral plan. Clear wishes can make an incredibly difficult time much easier for your family.

6️⃣ Business Interests

If you own a business, shares, or are self-employed, you need to spell out:

✔ who inherits the business

✔ who can make decisions

✔ what happens to shares or partnerships

This is especially important for family-run or small businesses.

7️⃣ Pets & Animal Care

Your pets are part of your family. You can appoint someone to care for them and even leave money aside for their ongoing needs.

8️⃣ Charitable Gifts

Many people like to leave something to a charity close to their heart. This can also reduce inheritance tax - a win-win.

9️⃣ A Residue Clause

This covers everything not listed in the Will, including forgotten accounts, new assets, or items acquired after you’ve written it. Without this clause, anything “left over” may be distributed under intestacy rules.

🔟 What Happens If Someone Inherits But Dies Before You

This is a major one people miss. Your Will should say what happens next:

→ Should it pass to their children?

→ Should it stay in your family line?

→ Or go to someone completely different?

A simple “substitution clause” fixes this.

Final Thoughts

A Will isn’t just about passing on your assets - it’s about protecting your loved ones, avoiding family disputes, and making sure your wishes are carried out exactly as you intend.

At Newlife Wills, we make the whole process simple, friendly and stress-free. If you’d like help reviewing an existing Will or creating a new one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.