National Wills Report 2026: Why Making a Will Matters

Planning for the future is about looking after the people who matter to you. The National Wills Register’s fourth National Wills Report explores changing attitudes to making a will and planning your estate.

In this article, Wills, Trusts and Tax Solicitor Eleri Roberts, discusses the report which surveyed 2,004 UK adults during September 2026, alongside legal professionals. The report was designed to understand why people make a will and what might be holding them back from recording their wishes.

Have you made a will?

If you have not made a will yet, you are not alone. Just over half of those surveyed (50.1%) had made one. The report also highlights a growing emphasis on making wills among younger adults, although they do not always seek professional help.

For many people, making a will is something they intend to do but have not yet got round to. This was the case for 47% of adults surveyed who had not made a will.

Thinking about what happens after your death can feel uncomfortable. For 9% of those surveyed, this was the reason they did not intend to make a will.

Will your loved ones know where to find your will?

Talking to loved ones about your wishes is not always easy. It can bring up difficult feelings for everyone involved, but it is an important part of making sure your wishes are understood.

The report found that 29% of people who had dealt with someone’s affairs after their death, did not know whether there was a will or where to find it. One third of those surveyed did not know what to do when someone died.

The uncertainty highlighted by the will report demonstrates why clear instructions and access to relevant documents can make estate administration and probate less complicated for families.

Many people have not yet had these conversations: 43% of those surveyed had not told anyone what they wanted to happen after their death. The report records that 57% had not thought about it, while a further 25% felt uncomfortable discussing death.

Even after making a will, it can be easy to overlook telling someone about it. The report found that 13% of people with a will had not told anyone they had made one.

Making things easier for loved ones was the main reason for making a will for 44% of those surveyed. These findings highlight the importance of not only recording your wishes but also making sure those dealing with your estate know where to find them.

Planning beyond your will

A will is an important part of planning ahead, but lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) also deserve attention. The report suggests their purpose is less widely understood: only 34% had made an LPA, and only 16% had prepared both a property and financial affairs LPA and a health and welfare LPA.

Among those who had made a will, the report records a higher figure of 53%. People gave different reasons for preparing LPAs: 22% cited getting older, 21% wanted to protect their family and avoid court delays, and 13% had been prompted by a health event.

Considering your will and LPAs together can make planning ahead feel more joined up. The report highlights the value of discussing both as part of a wider conversation about protecting loved ones and giving you reassurance about the future.

AI and your will: keeping personal advice at the heart of the process

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more familiar, you may wonder what role it could play in making your will. The report explores how people feel about using technology alongside professional advice.

The survey found that 51% were open to AI playing a role in drafting their will, although the level of support varied. For 27%, a solicitor’s review would be essential; 14% would support AI producing an initial template for a solicitor to complete; and only 10% would accept a will generated entirely by AI.

People also wanted to see clear benefits should AI be adopted into the Will preparation process: 27% would welcome AI automation if it improved client service and accuracy, while 22% would support it if it reduced the cost.

Electronic storage also appealed to many respondents. In total, 80% would be comfortable having their wills stored electronically: 51% alongside a physical copy and 29% entirely online. However, the report notes that digital wills are not currently supported by legislation because they do not meet the requirements of the Wills Act 1837.

Technology may help make services quicker and more efficient, but personal advice remains central. A solicitor’s professional judgement, understanding and final review cannot be replaced by AI.

Helping you plan with confidence

Everyone has their own reasons for making a will, and their own concerns about getting started. The report highlights the importance of services that respond to those needs and make planning ahead more approachable.

Growing awareness of will-making is encouraging, but the report suggests there is still a gap between intending to plan and putting arrangements in place. Younger adults are increasingly making wills, often without professional support, highlighting the value of advice that is accessible and relevant at different stages of life.

Planning need not stop once your will is written. Considering LPAs alongside your will can help you take a broader view of the arrangements that may protect your loved ones and offer reassurance.

Digital tools and AI may make services easier to access in time, but they should work alongside the personal advice you value. Will registration and searches also have a part to play in helping important documents be found when they are needed.

At the heart of planning ahead are your wishes and the people who matter to you. Accessible support and professional advice should work together to help you plan with confidence.

Are you ready to create a will?

Whether you are one of the 50% yet to make a will,  need to make a will, review your existing arrangements or require a lasting power of attorney, our Wills, Trusts and Tax solicitors can help you understand your options and provide tailored advice for you and your family.

If you would like our team's support in helping you plan for the future, please contact us via the form below.