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A Life Timeline

Part 1: Early Adulthood to Family Life

Many people believe that you only need a will if are elderly or wealthy - but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Making a will is a vital part of planning your life, not just your death. This two-part series walks through key life stages when you should consider creating or updating your will, so your wishes are protected, and your loved ones are provided for.

Stage 1: Early Adulthood (18–30)

Best time to make a will: When you turn 18 or start acquiring assets.

At 18, you become a legal adult in the UK and can make a will. While you may not have much in terms of property or wealth, if you have personal belongings, digital assets (like crypto or online businesses), or even a pet, it’s worth considering a simple will.

Example:

Emma, 22, just finished university and started working full-time. She’s renting a small flat but owns a car, has started saving, and wants to ensure her younger brother gets her guitar and digital art portfolio if anything happens to her. A basic will makes those wishes legally clear.

Key reasons to make a will:

• Own personal possessions or savings
• Digital assets
• Pets
• Start of financial independence

Stage 2: Buying Property (Mid-20s to 40s)

Best time to make a will: As soon as you buy property.

Buying your first home is a huge milestone - and also a major financial asset. If you die without a will, your property may not go to the person you’d expect, especially if you're unmarried or cohabiting.

Example:

Liam, 29, buys a flat with his long-term partner, Hannah. They aren’t married. Depending on the structure of ownership, without a will Hannah could receive nothing, and Liam’s share might go to his parents. A will ensures Hannah is protected.

Key reasons to make a will:

• Owning a home or mortgage
• Cohabiting with a partner
• Wanting to leave property to someone not automatically entitled under intestacy laws

Stage 3: Starting a Family (30s to 50s)

Best time to make a will: After the birth of your first child.

Children change everything - including your will. You’ll want to name guardians and provide for them financially if anything happens to you.

Example:

Sophie and Mike, both 35, just had their first baby, Poppy. They make a will naming Sophie’s sister as guardian should the worst happen and, ensure their savings and life insurance money goes into a trust for Poppy.

Key reasons to make or update a will:

• Naming guardians for children
• Creating trusts for minors
• Providing financial security

Coming in Part 2: Later life stages, inheritance planning, and when to review or update your will.

Trust the will writing experts

If you have any questions about when you should make or update your will our experienced team at Savigny can provide the answers. We take a caring and personalised approach to protecting your legacy, ensuring you consider all the variables in planning and writing a will at every stage of life.

To discover more and to have your questions answered please call or email us using the details below.