It’s 2026, and if you’ve spent any time online lately, you’ve probably been bombarded with ads. You know the ones, flashy graphics promising to “protect your home from the taxman” or “avoid probate forever” by putting everything you own into a trust. It sounds like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? But here’s the thing: after years of helping people navigate the often-confusing world of will writing services, I’ve seen that the “one-size-fits-all” approach usually only fits the person selling it.
I’m Oliver Saxon, Principal Solicitor at Tyto Law Solicitors. We’re all about cutting through the legal jargon so you can make confident decisions without being pushed into something you don’t need. And if you’d rather speak to someone local, you can meet us in Crowle (North Lincolnshire) or Lincoln (or chat with us online if that’s easier).
“Good estate planning isn’t about fancy paperwork — it’s about making sure the right people are protected in the right way.” — Oliver Saxon, Principal Solicitor, Tyto Law Solicitors
So, let’s talk about the reality of making a will in the UK today, whether you actually need a trust, and how to make sure your family isn’t left picking up the pieces of a DIY disaster.
The Fear: What Happens If You Just Do Nothing?
We all like to think we have plenty of time. But if you pass away without a valid will, known as dying “intestate”, you’re essentially handing the keys to your life’s work over to the government. The law (the “Intestacy Rules”) decides who gets what. And trust me, the law doesn’t care about that promise you made to your favorite nephew or the fact that you’ve been living with your partner for twenty years but never officially tied the knot.
Without a clear plan, your family could face:
- Distressing court battles: When instructions aren’t clear, arguments start.
- Lengthy legal processes: Probate can drag on for years if the paperwork isn’t right.
- Financial strain: Being “hit with a bill” for inheritance tax that could have been mitigated with proper planning.
How to Make a Will in the UK: The Basics
If you’re wondering how to make a will UK style, the process is actually more straightforward than you might think, provided you have the right guidance. A will is your voice after you’re gone. It’s the document that names your executors (the people who handle the admin), appoints guardians for your children, and lists exactly who should receive your assets.
For many people with a straightforward estate, say, a family home, some savings, and a clear-cut family tree, a well-drafted, professional will is often all you need. It’s a solid, legally binding foundation that provides immense peace of mind.
The Big Question: Do You Really Need a Trust?
This is where things get a bit murky. In 2026, many “will writing services” push trusts as a mandatory add-on. But do you actually need one?
A trust is essentially a legal arrangement where you give assets to “trustees” to look after for the benefit of someone else. They can be incredibly useful, but they aren’t a “magic wand” for everyone.
When a Trust is a Lifesaver:
- Protecting Vulnerable Beneficiaries: If you have a child with special needs or a relative who isn’t great with money, a trust ensures they are looked after without giving them a lump sum they might struggle to manage.
- Complex Families: If you’ve remarried but want to ensure your children from a previous relationship eventually inherit your share of the house, a “Life Interest Trust” is a brilliant tool.
- Privacy: Unlike a will, which becomes a public document once probate is granted, trusts can often be kept private.
- Managing Assets for Minors: If you don’t want your 18-year-old inheriting a large sum of money to spend on a fleet of electric scooters, a trust can delay that inheritance until they are older and wiser.
When a Trust Might Be Overkill:
If your main goal is simply to pass your house to your spouse or children and your estate falls well within the inheritance tax thresholds, a complex “Asset Protection Trust” might just be an expensive piece of paper that adds unnecessary layers of admin. We’ve seen cases where people have been charged thousands for trusts they didn’t really need. We don’t want that for you.
Suggested: A conceptual image of a family sitting safely under a large, protective umbrella or a set of keys on a wooden table, representing home security.
The Pitfalls of “Cheap” Online Will Writing Services
In 2026, you can generate a will on your phone in five minutes for fifty quid. It’s tempting, right? But as the saying goes, “buy cheap, buy twice”, except in this case, you won’t be around to fix the mistake.
The issue with many automated will writing services is that they don’t ask the “what if” questions. They don’t spot the potential pitfalls of a “sideways inheritance” or realize that the way you own your property might actually invalidate what you’re trying to do in the will.
At Tyto Law, we’ve seen DIY wills that weren’t witnessed correctly, making them completely “revoked” or invalid in the eyes of the court. This leads to the exact “expensive litigation” you were trying to avoid in the first place.
“A will is one of the few documents you sign where you won’t be there to explain what you meant if it goes wrong. Get it right the first time.” — Oliver Saxon, Principal Solicitor, Tyto Law Solicitors
Don’t Forget the Living: LPAs
While we’re talking about planning for the future, I have to mention Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). If a will is for after you’ve passed, an LPA is for while you’re still here but perhaps unable to make your own decisions due to illness or injury.
Everybody should have an LPA! Without one, your family might have to go through a “distressing court battle” just to pay your utility bills or decide on your medical care. It’s a proactive step that is just as vital as the will itself. You can find more about how we help with these over at our areas of practice page.
How We Work at Tyto Law
We like to keep things simple. We aren’t here to sell you a complex trust you don’t need. We’re here to listen to your story, ask the right questions, and put a plan in place that actually fits your life.
You can meet us at our office in Crowle (North Lincolnshire) or Lincoln, or speak to us online — whatever suits you best. The important bit is that you get proper advice that matches your circumstances, not a template that guesses.
Our Fees
Transparency is a big deal for us. For Wills and Trusts, we’ll talk you through your options and confirm your costs clearly once we understand what you want to achieve.
Suggested: A photo of a hand-holding a pen over a document, or a close-up of a professional but warm handshake.
The Truth About 2026 Estate Planning
The “truth” is that your life is unique. Your family dynamic, your assets, and your worries aren’t the same as your neighbor’s. A trust might be the smartest move you ever make, or it might be a total waste of time. The only way to know for sure is to have a chat with someone who knows the law inside and out.
By taking action now, you aren’t just filling out forms; you’re protecting your legacy and making life infinitely easier for the people you love. You’re avoiding the will dispute resolution nightmares that keep families apart.
Ready to Put Your Mind at Rest?
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options, or if you’ve been sitting on a draft will for months and just need to get it over the line, we’re here to help. Let’s make sure your “how to make a will uk” journey ends with a document that actually does what you want it to do.
Don’t leave it to chance or a robotic template. Contact us today at Tyto Law Solicitors and we’ll have a friendly, jargon-free chat about what you actually need (and what you don’t). If you prefer to meet in person, you can see us in Crowle (North Lincolnshire) or Lincoln.
Let’s get your future sorted together.
Oliver Saxon
Principal Solicitor, Tyto Law Solicitors
https://tytolaw.co.uk/oliver-saxon