Which Will Do I Need? A Clear Guide for UK Families
Let’s be honest—talking about wills isn’t at the top of anyone’s to-do list. It feels awkward, easy to postpone, and often ends up pushed back month after month… year after year.
But making a will isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about protecting the people you love, avoiding legal headaches, and removing uncertainty from already difficult situations.
At Meridian Legal Services, we’ve helped hundreds of clients across the UK get their wills in place—and the most common thing we hear is, “I wish I’d done this sooner.”
Once it’s sorted, that background worry disappears. You get clarity, peace of mind, and control over your future.
Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Will
You might be surprised to learn that there are several types of wills—and the right one depends entirely on your life, assets, family setup, and what you want to happen.
Are you married or in a long-term partnership?
Do you have children from a previous relationship?
Do you own a business or property abroad?
Are there specific people you want to include—or exclude?
Your circumstances are unique. That’s why we always start with a conversation, not a template.
Common Types of Wills in the UK
1. Basic Will
A straightforward document that outlines:
Who inherits your estate
Who will carry out your wishes (your executor)
This option is ideal if:
You’re leaving everything to one person (e.g., a spouse or child)
Your assets are simple and there are no trusts or business concerns
We’ll ensure everything is legally valid, clear, and tailored to your instructions.
2. Mirror Wills
Best for couples, mirror wills are two almost identical documents that:
Leave everything to each other first
Pass the estate to chosen beneficiaries (usually children) after both partners pass
They're cost-effective and easy to set up, but it's worth knowing:
The surviving partner can change their will later
We’ll explain how this works so you can make a fully informed decision.
3. Wills with Trusts
This type of will includes a trust clause that allows:
Assets to be protected for future use
Conditions to be applied to inheritance (e.g., age limits, spend control)
Housing rights for a surviving partner, while still protecting children’s inheritance
Trusts are especially useful if:
You have vulnerable beneficiaries
You’re in a blended family
You want more control over how your estate is used
You don’t need to be wealthy to benefit from a trust—we’ll talk you through it in plain English.
4. Advance Decisions (Living Wills)
Not about money or assets, but medical wishes.
A Living Will lets you record what medical treatment you do—or don’t—want if you’re unable to make decisions later.
It’s especially valuable if:
You have strong views on life-support or end-of-life care
You want to reduce the burden on loved ones making tough decisions
How Do I Know Which Will Is Right for Me?
The truth? You won’t always know until you speak with someone who understands the options. Many clients come to us thinking they need something complex—but walk away with a simple solution (or vice versa).
At Meridian Legal Services, we take the time to:
- Understand your current situation
- Ask the right questions
- Recommend only what you actually need—nothing more, nothing less
Need guidance? Book a free, no-pressure consultation to explore your options.
When Should I Update My Will?
If your will is more than five years old, or if any of the following have changed, it’s time to review it:
- Marriage or civil partnership (this can invalidate a will)
- Divorce or separation
- Birth or adoption of children or grandchildren
- Buying or selling property
- Starting or closing a business
We offer a Will Check-Up Service to ensure your documents still reflect your wishes—and the law.
Let’s Get This Sorted—Your Way
If you’ve been putting it off, you’re not alone. But once your will is in place, you’ll wish you’d done it sooner.
Call or email our team today for a friendly, confidential chat—no pressure, no jargon, just clear guidance on what’s right for you.
At Meridian Legal Services, we’d be honoured to help you put your wishes in writing and give your loved ones clarity and protection.