7 Reasons to Make a Will Before Turning 40

• Posted onJune 29, 2026

Making a Will before turning 40 is one of the most positive and practical steps you can take to protect the people, pets and assets that matter most to you.

Many people still think Wills are something to deal with later in life. In reality, more people under 40 are buying homes, raising families, running businesses and building digital assets than ever before.

A Will is not about expecting the worst. It is about creating clarity, security and peace of mind for the future.

Here are seven important reasons why making a Will before 40 can be one of the smartest life decisions you make.

Property ownership is more common than ever

Buying your first home is a huge milestone – and one of the clearest signs that it is time to think about a Will.

If you own property and die without a valid Will, the rules of intestacy decide who inherits your estate. That may not reflect your wishes, particularly if:

• You are unmarried
• You own property with a partner
• You have stepchildren or blended family arrangements

A professionally prepared Will can help ensure your share of the property passes to the people you choose.

It is also worth noting that how you own property matters to how a property passes on death. Understanding how this applies to you can help ensure your share of the property passes to the people you choose.

A Will helps protect your children’s future

For parents, making a Will is especially important.

A Will allows you to:

• Appoint guardians for your children
• Set out how money should be managed for them
• Help create financial stability for their future

Without a Will, decisions about guardianship and inheritance may become more complicated at an already difficult time for families.

Even young children can benefit from clear planning and reassurance about the future.

Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit

Many couples live together for years without getting married or entering a civil partnership.

However, under UK law, unmarried partners do not automatically inherit everything if one partner dies without a Will – regardless of how long they have been together.

This often comes as a surprise.

Making a Will allows you to protect your partner and ensure they are financially supported according to your wishes.

Your online and digital assets matter too

Modern life increasingly exists online.

You may have:

• Online banking accounts
• Cryptocurrency or investments
• Social media accounts
• Digital photo libraries
• Online businesses or income streams

A Will can help your executors understand what digital assets exist and how you would like them managed.

This can make things far easier for loved ones dealing with practical matters later on.

You can make plans for your pets

For many people, pets are family.

A Will can include guidance about:

• Who should care for your pets
• Financial support for their ongoing care
• Your wishes regarding their welfare

Without planning ahead, there may be uncertainty about who takes responsibility for them.

Life changes quickly in your 30s

Your 30s are often full of major life milestones: Buying property, getting married, having children, starting a business, receiving inheritance.

A Will helps keep pace with those changes.

Even if you already have a Will, it is important to review it regularly as your circumstances evolve.

Making a Will gives peace of mind

Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is peace of mind.

Making a Will allows you to:

• Make your wishes clear
• Reduce uncertainty for loved ones
• Help avoid unnecessary family disputes
• Feel more organised and prepared for the future

It is not about being pessimistic. It is about taking control and protecting the people you care about most.

Making a Will is easier than many people think

One reason younger adults often delay making a Will is because it feels complicated or unnecessary.

In reality, the process is often straightforward – especially with professional guidance.

A properly prepared Will can help ensure:

• Your estate is distributed according to your wishes
• Your loved ones are protected
• Important decisions are not left to chance
• A positive step for the future

Turning 40 is often seen as a milestone worth preparing for – financially, personally and professionally.

Making a Will is part of that preparation.

Rather than something to put off, it can be viewed as an empowering step that protects your future, supports your loved ones and gives you confidence that important plans are in place.

Thinking about making your first Will?

If you would like advice about a Will, speaking to a Wills and Probate specialist can help you understand your options and create arrangements tailored to your circumstances.

For expert wills and probate advice, you can contact WSP Solicitors’ local offices, servicing the whole of Gloucestershire, including; Gloucester, Stroud, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury or the Forest of Dean, or use the enquiry form on this page to request a callback.

FAQs:

Do I really need a Will before turning 40?

If you own property, have children, live with a partner or have valuable assets, making a Will can help protect the people and things that matter to you.

What happens if I die without a Will?

The rules of intestacy decide who inherits your estate. This may not reflect your wishes, particularly for unmarried couples or blended families.

Can I include digital assets in my Will?

Yes. A Will can help identify online accounts, digital assets and guidance for managing them after death.

How often should I update my Will?

It is sensible to review your Will after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, buying property or having children.