Why a 27-year-old London researcher has already written her will
Erin Atkinson, 27, has already written her will to distribute her £7,000 car and belongings, highlighting a growing trend among young people.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Erin Atkinson, 27, from London, has already drawn up her will to distribute her assets.
- Data from 2025 shows only one in five people aged 18 to 24 have a will in place.
- Creating a will early helps reduce administrative burdens and family stress later.
Planning the distribution of money and belongings is usually a task associated with older age, but 27-year-old Erin Atkinson has already decided what should happen to her possessions after she dies. Working in psychological research in London after moving from Bristol four years ago, she rents her home and does not consider herself wealthy. Even so, she has already assigned her £7,000 car to her sister, a gold necklace from her partner back to him, and allocated funds to a cause close to her heart.
She admits that the process initially felt surreal because wills are commonly linked to older generations, but putting her wishes into writing felt genuinely empowering.
"At first it felt quite surreal because you associate wills with older people."
Erin Atkinson
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
For many young adults, drafting a will might seem unnecessary, particularly if they feel they have limited assets to leave behind. The 2025 National Wills Report revealed that just one in five individuals aged 18 to 24 has established a will, a figure that rises to 33% for those aged 22 to 34, compared to 56% for adults over 55. Sophia Maslin, founder of the online will-writing app Morby, notes that the misconception of needing substantial wealth before making a will remains one of the most common hurdles she encounters.
Erin's decision to draft a will was initially sparked when a friend purchased a home, alongside watching Sophia Maslin discuss wills on TikTok. Maslin shared the story of her cousin, who passed away young without a will, causing significant complications for the family. Witnessing the impact of her own late grandmother's well-structured will also influenced Erin, showing her how clear directives can alleviate pressure on surviving relatives. The process also revealed hidden financial assets, such as premium bonds.
Drafting a will at a young age serves as more than just a financial exercise; it acts as a proactive step in personal risk management and life planning. Establishing clear directives early helps mitigate potential legal disputes and emotional stress for families during unexpected crises. This aligns with modern wealth management trends that prioritize transparency and preparedness across all stages of adult life.
Eleanor Hodgson from Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors points out that practical benefits for making a will exist even for individuals without significant assets. The complications of dying intestate are difficult to fully appreciate until the situation arises. Maslin adds that young people often delay the process, assuming it is a task reserved for later decades of life, despite unexpected events occurring at any age.
Beyond financial items, Erin's will includes personal touches, specifying the poem she wants read at her funeral and the drink served to guests. Thinking through these details did not feel morbid to her.
While writing a will can seem daunting and expensive, accessible options exist for obtaining one for free or at a reduced cost. For instance, the annual Will Aid campaign in November pairs individuals with volunteer solicitors who waive fees for drafting basic wills. Essential steps for preparing a will include:
- Choose your beneficiaries: Decide who receives your money and possessions, and name guardians for children under 18 if applicable.
- Choose an executor: Appoint a trusted family member or solicitor to ensure your wishes are carried out.
- Think about pets: Specify who will look after your animals after your passing.
- Leave funeral wishes: Outline burial or cremation preferences, alongside music, readings, and floral arrangements.
- Keep your will secure: Store the document safely and inform a trusted person of its location to prevent delays.
Source: BBC Business
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