How to Write a Will — And Why You Seriously Need One (Even If You’re Under 40)

Let’s Be Honest: Nobody Wants to Talk About Death

No one jumps out of bed in 2025 and says, “Let’s write a will today!” It’s awkward. It feels heavy. And it sounds like something only old, wealthy people do. But here’s the truth: as of April 2024, a staggering 67% of adults under 45 globally still hadn’t written one. That’s millions of people walking around with digital assets, dependents, pets, bank accounts, and no plan.

And it’s not just regular folks. Prince died in 2016 without a will. Aretha Franklin left multiple handwritten notes, sparking a legal war in 2018. Chadwick Boseman passed in 2020 with no estate plan, leaving his wife and parents in probate limbo. These were people with lawyers on speed dial — and they still missed it.

So let’s bust a myth. You don’t need millions to need a will. You just need to care about what happens when you’re no longer here.

Why You (Yes, You) Need a Will

A proper will can:

  • Decide who raises your kids if something happens
  • Make sure your pet chihuahua doesn’t end up in a shelter
  • Protect your crypto, savings, and even that 2011 Toyota Corolla you’ve been holding on to

In 2025, average estate processing time in Europe without a will is 15 to 24 months. That’s nearly two years of legal gridlock. Between 2020 and 2024, inheritance-related court disputes in the UK rose by 34%.

With a simple will, you prevent family fights, reduce stress for your loved ones, and protect what you’ve worked hard for. That peace of mind? IAnd if you’ve got digital assets — like crypto held on platforms such as crypto-lorvian.ca — a will ensures they don’t get lost in the digital void. Assigning clear beneficiaries for your wallets, tokens, and NFTs is the only way to make sure your investments don’t vanish into cyberspace.t’s priceless.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

Here’s a not-so-fun fact: if you die intestate (without a valid will), your assets go wherever the government thinks they should. In Poland, that could mean 50% to your spouse and 50% to your kids — even if you’re estranged from them. In Nigeria, unresolved intestate property can remain frozen for up to 9 years.

True horror story: A 44-year-old man in Kraków passed in 2023. He never updated his legal papers, so his ex-wife inherited his apartment. His current partner of 12 years? Left with nothing.

No will = no control. It’s that simple.

What to Include in a Simple Will

You don’t need to make it complicated. A solid will usually includes:

  • A list of assets: bank accounts, real estate, crypto wallets, stocks, vehicles
  • Beneficiaries: who gets what
  • Guardianship: who takes care of your kids or dependents
  • Executor: the person you trust to carry out your wishes
  • Optional items: funeral preferences, digital assets like Gmail or NFTs
  • Contingency plans: what if your beneficiary passes before you?

Step-by-Step Guide: Writing Your First Will

  • Step 1: Make a list of everything valuable you own. Include investments, property, and even quirky items like your 2022 art NFT or a side hustle income stream.
  • Step 2: Choose who you want to inherit each item. Be specific. Use full legal names and details to avoid confusion.
  • Step 3: Pick your executor. This should be someone trustworthy, organized, and willing to do the job.
  • Step 4: Write it all down. You can type it, write by hand, or use an online platform.
  • Step 5: Sign it in front of witnesses. In the UK, you need 2; in India, 3.
  • Step 6: Store it somewhere safe. Tell someone where it is.
  • Step 7: Update it after any major life change: marriage, divorce, birth, inheritance, big purchases.

Digital Wills: Are They Legit?

Yes — in many places. During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital wills exploded in popularity. In the UK and U.S., usage of platforms like Farewill and LegalZoom grew by 200% between 2020 and 2023.

As of 2025, countries like Estonia, Canada, India (pilot cities), and the UK accept digital wills, sometimes with e-signatures. Average price? Between €30 and €90 for a basic will.

Pro tip: Always check local law. For example, Germany doesn’t accept digital wills unless fully handwritten and signed.

When Should You Write or Update Your Will?

The answer? Not once. Over and over.

Update your will after:

  • New job or promotion
  • Marriage or breakup
  • Buying property
  • Launching a business
  • Having children

According to a 2023 survey by WillStar, 40% of people with wills hadn’t revised them in over five years.

What About Joint Wills and Trusts?

Joint wills (shared by a couple) might seem romantic, but they can create legal headaches. If one partner dies, it’s locked. No edits allowed.

Trusts, however, are more flexible. They work well for:

  • Multi-country property
  • Avoiding probate delays
  • Businesses or generational wealth

Cost to set up a trust? Between €1,000 and €3,500. Worth every cent if it saves your family months in court.

Making It Official: Legal Requirements by Region

Poland: 2 witnesses; handwritten or notarized Germany: Must be fully handwritten and signed Nigeria: Needs 2 adult witnesses; IDs required India: Typed or written, with 2 witnesses U.S.: Varies by state; some accept notarized PDFs

Store your final will with your lawyer or in a digital fire-safe vault.

Talking About It: How to Bring Up Wills With Family

Start the convo like this: “Hey, I’m getting organized in case something unexpected happens.” Keep it light, honest, and clear.

Include heirs in the discussion. Let them ask questions. Transparency now saves drama later. Studies show that 1 in 5 inheritance fights happen due to lack of communication.

Sample script: “If I get hit by a space rock, I just want you to know where everything is.”

Wills vs. Other Financial Documents

DocumentPurposeWhen Needed
WillAsset division after deathAlways
Living WillMedical treatment instructionsDuring serious illness
Power of AttorneyGives legal power to another personIf incapacitated
TrustPasses on property with conditionsComplex estate planning

Success Stories (Yes, Really)

Anita, a 31-year-old from Delhi, used WillStar to draft a free will in 2023. When her father passed unexpectedly in 2024, the document helped her brother avoid a 9-month legal delay.

Kasia, a Polish entrepreneur, updated her will in 2022 after investing in crypto. She legally transferred her wallet to her nephew, avoiding a 12% inheritance tax.

Emmanuel, a Nigerian freelancer, wrote his first will at age 28 in 2023. Cost? Just ₦11,000 (~€12). It saved his mom from dealing with a three-year probate process.

Final Checklist: Start Today, Sleep Better Tonight

  1.  Inventory your assets (big and small) 
  2.  Choose responsible executors and beneficiaries 
  3.  Write or draft your will 
  4.  Talk to your family  
  5. Use legal or digital tools to make it official 
  6.  Review every 1–2 years

Conclusion: Wills Aren’t Just for the Wealthy — They’re for the Wise

Creating a will doesn’t mean you’re expecting doom. It means you’re thinking ahead. Whether you have €1,000 or €100,000, your legacy matters. Control it. Define it. Protect it.

Start now. Your future self will thank you. So will everyone you care about.

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