Do You Really Need a Will? 5 Real-Life Stories That Show Why It Matters

Writing a will might sound complicated or something to leave for later in life, but the truth is simple: without one, your loved ones may face stress, disputes, and even financial loss. Below are five everyday stories that show how a will in England and Wales can protect families.

Case Study 1: The Unmarried Couple and the Family Home

Situation:
James and Claire lived together for 15 years. Their home was in James’s name. When James died suddenly without a will, the law passed the house to his parents—not Claire.

Problem:
Claire had no automatic rights because they were not married or in a civil partnership. She risked losing the home where she had built her life.

Outcome:
Claire had to go to court under the Inheritance Act 1975, which cost thousands and caused stress.

Lesson:
A simple will naming Claire as a beneficiary would have given her security and avoided the legal fight.

Case Study 2: Protecting Minor Children

Situation:
Michael and Sarah had two young children. They thought “everything will just go to the kids anyway.” But when both parents died in an accident, there was no will.

Problem:
The court appointed guardians under the Children Act 1989—people the parents would not have chosen. The children’s inheritance was tied up until they turned 18.

Outcome:
Family members disagreed, and the children faced unnecessary uncertainty.

Lesson:
By appointing guardians in a will, parents ensure their children are raised by trusted people, with finances managed properly.

Case Study 3: The Inheritance Tax Trap

Situation:
Mr Patel left an estate worth £600,000 but no will. His assets were divided under intestacy rules between his wife and children.

Problem:
Because there was no tax planning, the family faced an Inheritance Tax bill of almost £100,000.

Outcome:
The family had to sell part of their property just to pay HMRC.

Lesson:
A will could have directed more assets to his spouse (tax-free) and used allowances like the Residence Nil Rate Band, saving thousands.

Case Study 4: Family Business at Risk

Situation:
Emma owned a thriving family business worth £1.5 million. She died unexpectedly without a will.

Problem:
Her husband wanted to run the company, but their children—who inherited shares—wanted to sell. This led to conflict and risked the company’s future.

Outcome:
The dispute ended up in court, causing financial loss and damage to the business’s reputation.

Lesson:
A will with a business succession plan could have protected both the family and the company, ensuring stability.

Case Study 5: Blended Family Conflicts

Situation:
David remarried after his first wife’s death. He had two children from his first marriage and one child with his second wife. He assumed “the estate will look after everyone.”

Problem:
Most of his estate went to his second wife under intestacy rules, leaving his older children with much less.

Outcome:
The children went to court under the Inheritance Act 1975, which caused lasting family tension.

Lesson:
A will could have balanced support for his wife with fair provision for all his children, avoiding conflict.

Final Takeaway

These stories show how failing to write a will can leave families facing disputes, court cases, or financial loss. A will in England and Wales is not just paperwork—it’s peace of mind.

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Notice: All names in these examples have been changed to protect confidentiality.

Need help? At Express Law Solutions, we review, draft, and negotiate contracts to ensure they’re fair, clear, and enforceable.