For most of my 28-year working life, I never thought twice about my will. I knew exactly what I wanted: everything would be split equally between my sisters, with a few special bequests for close friends. It was neat, tidy, and done.
Then last November, everything changed.
At 49, I became a mom. I adopted a bright, beautiful little toddler who turned my world upside down — in the best possible way. And with that joy came a whole new set of questions. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about who got my assets. It was about who would raise my child if I weren’t here.
And that is why Wills Week feels so personal to me this year.
Why Your Will Matters – No Matter What You Own
A lot of people put off writing a will. They think, “I don’t own much,” or “I’ll do it later.” Some people even avoid the topic altogether because it feels uncomfortable to plan for death.
But here’s what I’ve learned: a will isn’t about death. It’s about life — about caring for the people who matter most to you when you’re not around to do it yourself.
Without a will, the law decides who gets what. And trust me, the law doesn’t know your family dynamics, your friendships, or your wishes. It definitely doesn’t know who you’d want to raise your kids.
Having a will means:
- Your wishes are respected. Your assets go exactly where you want them to go.
- Your children are protected. You get to choose who would raise them if you can’t.
- You save your loved ones from unnecessary stress. They won’t have to argue over what you “would have wanted.”
- You can leave meaningful gifts. Even small items — a wedding ring, a special book, a letter — can bring comfort to those you love.
For me, rewriting my will was about peace of mind. It was about making sure my child would have the love, care, and financial support they need, even in the worst-case scenario.
How to Put a Will Together – Without the Stress
If you’ve been meaning to write or update your will, Wills Week is the perfect time. Many law firms offer free or discounted will-drafting services this week — so there’s really no excuse to put it off.
Here’s how you can get it done in a few simple steps:
- Take Stock of What You Own
List your assets: your home, car, savings, pension funds, investments, and even sentimental items. Make it easy for your executor to know what’s there. - Decide Who Gets What
Think about how you want to share what you have. It doesn’t have to be complicated — just clear. - Choose a Guardian for Your Kids
This was the hardest part for me, but also the most important. Pick someone who shares your values and who will love your children the way you would. - Appoint an Executor
This is the person who will make sure your will is carried out. Choose someone responsible and willing to take on the job. - Get Professional Help
Even a simple will should be legally sound. A lawyer or will-drafting service can help make sure everything is valid and properly worded. - Sign and Witness Your Will
This part matters: you need two witnesses who aren’t beneficiaries to watch you sign, and they must sign too. - Keep It Safe – and Tell Someone Where It Is
A will that no one can find is no good. Store it somewhere secure, and let your executor know how to access it.
Keep It Updated
Your will isn’t a once-off thing. Every time life changes — marriage, divorce, having children, adopting (like I did), or even buying new property — your will should change too.
Rewriting my will felt a little overwhelming at first, but once it was done, I felt lighter. I could breathe knowing my child’s future was protected, whatever happens.
So this Wills Week, I encourage you to take an hour, sit down, and put your wishes on paper. You don’t need to be wealthy to have a will — you just need people you love enough to plan for.
Trust me, it’s one of the most loving, practical gifts you can leave behind.