The Silent Crisis: Why Millions in the UK Still Don’t Have a Will
by Dos team
by Dos team
More than half of UK adults don’t have a will. That’s the stark reality behind the country's deepening estate planning crisis. According to recent research, an estimated 31 million people are currently without a legally binding plan for their estate—leaving families exposed to legal battles, tax burdens, and emotional distress.
Even more concerning? Many of those without a will are homeowners, parents, or business owners—people with real responsibilities, and a lot to lose.
Dying without a will is known as dying intestate. When that happens, your estate is divided according to a fixed set of rules that may have no connection to your personal wishes. Unmarried partners are especially at risk, as they’re not legally entitled to inherit anything—even if they’ve lived with someone for decades.
Children can be left without clear guardianship. Family members may end up in conflict. Inheritance tax may hit harder. And legal delays can stretch for months or years.
There’s a lingering myth that only the wealthy need wills. But in reality, a will is a tool for anyone who wants control over what happens after they’re gone.
“If you own a home, have children, or care about who gets what, you need a will,” says Sarah Edwards, a solicitor specialising in estate planning. “It's not about money—it's about peace of mind.”
Wills also allow people to make funeral requests, appoint executors, and even leave gifts or donations to charities or loved ones.
So why are so many people unprepared?
The answer lies in a combination of outdated legal systems, inaccessible pricing, and the public’s discomfort with confronting death.
Traditional law firms still charge hundreds—sometimes thousands—of pounds for simple will-writing services. Meanwhile, many consumers are put off by legal jargon, complicated paperwork, and the fear of doing it “wrong.”
In response, a new wave of digital-first services is emerging—designed to demystify and democratise estate planning.
Platforms like Dos are helping to make legal services more transparent and affordable. By connecting consumers directly with vetted solicitors, Dos enables people to compare prices, read reviews, and get expert help without stepping into a law office.
“This is about giving people more control,” says the Dos team. “We want to remove the fear, the fees, and the friction that have stopped people from protecting their legacy.”
Experts advise reviewing your estate plan any time you experience a major life change: buying property, getting married or divorced, having children, or starting a business. Even if you already have a will, it should be updated regularly to reflect new circumstances.
It’s also important to consider related tools like Lasting Powers of Attorney and trusts, especially if you have dependents or complex assets.
Making a will isn’t morbid. It’s responsible. It’s an act of care for your family—and a way to ensure that your voice is heard, even when you’re not around to speak.
In a system still stuck in the past, platforms like Dos are helping people take charge of their futures—quietly disrupting a legal industry that’s long overdue for change.