Why Making a Will in Your 30s Is Just as Important as Later in Life

For many people, making a Will is something that sits firmly on the “to do later” list. It is often associated with retirement, later life planning or significant wealth. However, in reality, your 30s can be one of the most important times to put a Will in place.

This stage of life is often full of major milestones. Buying your first home, settling down with a partner, starting a family, building a career or running a business all bring new responsibilities and legal considerations. A Will provides clarity, protection and reassurance at a time when life can feel busy and unpredictable.

Why people in their 30s often overlook making a Will

It is common for people in their 30s to feel that making a Will is unnecessary. Many assume they are too young, do not have enough assets, or believe everything would automatically pass to their partner or family.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Without a valid Will, your estate will be dealt with under the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes and can create additional stress for those you leave behind.

Life events that make a Will essential in your 30s

Your 30s are often a decade of change. Each of the following life events can make having a Will particularly important:

• Buying a property, either alone or with a partner

• Living with a partner without being married

• Getting married or entering a civil partnership

• Having children or planning to start a family

• Being part of a blended family

• Building savings, investments or pensions

• Running a business or holding company shares

• Inheriting property or money from parents or grandparents

A Will ensures that these changes are properly reflected and that your intentions are clear.

Protecting your partner and family

One of the most common misconceptions is that a long-term partner will automatically inherit if something happens to you. This is not true if you are not married or in a civil partnership.

A Will allows you to:

• Provide financial protection for your partner

• Decide who inherits your share of a property

• Avoid disputes or uncertainty for loved ones

  
  

Even if you are married, a Will ensures your estate is distributed according to your wishes, rather than a fixed legal formula.

Appointing guardians for children

If you have children, or plan to in the future, a Will is one of the only ways to formally appoint guardians. This gives you control over who would care for your children if the worst were to happen.

Even if you do not yet have children, a Will can be drafted with future planning in mind and updated as circumstances change. This forward-thinking approach can offer peace of mind as your family grows.

Making things easier at a difficult time

An unexpected death is devastating for family members and close friends. Without a Will, loved ones are often left dealing with additional legal complexity at an already emotional time.

A clear, professionally drafted Will can:

• Reduce delays in administering your estate

• Minimise uncertainty and stress for family members

• Help avoid disagreements between relatives

• Ensure your wishes are respected

It is a practical step that can make a meaningful difference for those you care about most.

 

Supporting business and career planning

For business owners and entrepreneurs, a Will is especially important. Shares, partnership interests and business assets need careful consideration to avoid disruption if something happens unexpectedly.

A Will can help ensure:

• Business interests pass to the right people

• Continuity is maintained for co-owners or partners

• Your family is financially protected

This is particularly relevant for professionals building businesses in their 30s, where long-term planning can safeguard both personal and commercial interests.

A Will is not a one-time document

Making a Will in your 30s does not mean it cannot change. Wills should be reviewed as life evolves, particularly after major events such as marriage, buying property or having children.

Starting early means you already have a solid foundation in place and can update it as needed, rather than starting from scratch later on.

Speak to Salehs about making your first Will

Making a Will does not have to be complicated or daunting. At Salehs Solicitors, we take a practical and personal approach, guiding you through the process and ensuring your Will reflects your circumstances and priorities.

If you are in your 30s and have not yet made a Will, now is a sensible time to start the conversation. Our team is happy to talk through your options and help you put the right provisions in place.

To arrange an appointment or discuss making your first Will, please contact Salehs Solicitors today.