UK Wills & Estate Planning Guide 2026/27 — Crystal Life Planning & LPA

Why every UK adult over 30 needs a will

Around 60% of UK adults die without a will (intestate). When that happens, intestacy rules distribute the estate — often in ways the deceased wouldn't have chosen: unmarried partners can receive nothing, children may inherit differently than intended, and estates commonly face avoidable inheritance tax.

What a proper UK will covers

• Executors — the people who administer your estate
• Beneficiaries — who receives what
• Guardians — for children under 18
• Specific gifts — items or amounts to named individuals
• Residuary estate — everything else, and to whom
• Funeral wishes — burial/cremation preferences

Options for writing a UK will

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

An LPA lets someone you trust make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. Two types:

• Property & Financial Affairs LPA — manages bank accounts, sells property, pays bills
• Health & Welfare LPA — medical treatment, care decisions

UK Office of the Public Guardian charges £82 per LPA to register. Total for both LPAs (registered separately) = £164. Complete online at gov.uk, or use a specialist to handle the paperwork.

UK inheritance tax basics 2026/27

• Nil-rate band: £325,000 (frozen until at least 2028)
• Residence nil-rate band: Additional £175,000 if leaving main home to direct descendants
• Spouse/civil partner exemption: Unlimited
• Rate above threshold: 40% (36% if 10%+ of estate left to charity)
• Combined threshold for couples: Up to £1,000,000 (transferable allowances)

Common estate planning mistakes

• Not writing a will at all
• Writing a will and never updating it (marriage revokes an old will in England & Wales)
• Not naming guardians for children
• Not making LPAs — only wills; when capacity is lost, family may need to apply to the Court of Protection (expensive, slow)
• Not registering pensions correctly (pension death benefits usually sit outside your estate — the pension provider needs your nomination)
• Ignoring the 7-year IHT rule on gifts

Order of operations

1. Write a will (or update existing)
2. Complete both LPAs
3. Update pension beneficiary nominations at every provider
4. Review life insurance beneficiary nominations
5. Consider trusts if estate approaches £1m or has complex distribution needs
6. Review every 5 years or after major life event (marriage, divorce, birth, death, house purchase)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a solicitor for a UK will?

Not legally required. For straightforward estates (own house, standard family, no trust needs) an online will service like Crystal Life Planning works fine. Complex estates warrant a solicitor.

How often should I update my will?

Every 5 years, or after major life events. In England & Wales, marriage automatically revokes any previous will.

What happens if I die without a will?

UK intestacy rules apply. For married couples with children, the spouse gets the first £322,000 plus half the balance; children split the rest. Unmarried partners receive nothing under intestacy.

Is a will enough on its own?

No. LPAs are needed for capacity decisions while alive. Pension death benefits need separate nomination. Life insurance beneficiaries need naming with the insurer.