Young Adults Increasingly Drafting Wills, Focusing on Personal Legacies and Digital Assets

A growing number of young adults are proactively writing wills, not just to protect financial assets but also to express personal wishes and manage digital estates, a trend gaining momentum today.

Londoner Kate Davis, 31, began drafting her will after reading about end-of-life care and finalized it following the sudden death of her father, Mark, last year. “I wanted a chance to tell people how much I love them, even from beyond the grave,” Davis said, reflecting a common sentiment among younger generations. These wills often include instructions for cherished possessions like family recipes and even gifts to close friends, alongside more traditional financial arrangements.

The shift is also driven by the increasing complexity of modern life, with young people frequently holding digital assets like cryptocurrency, social media accounts, and online businesses that require specific planning. Emily Deane from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners notes this growing need for comprehensive estate planning. A recent National Wills Report found that one in four people don’t know how to write a will, and many believe their estates are too simple to require one – a misconception experts are working to address. For more information on estate planning, resources are available at the UK government website.

Sam Grice, founder of Octopus Legacy, launched his service after his mother, Jeanette, died in a car crash when he was 27, highlighting the friction caused by an outdated will. “My mum had a will, but it wasn’t up to date and that caused a lot of friction,” Grice explained. He emphasizes that even renters and those without children should consider a will to protect their liabilities. This trend towards proactive planning is being fueled by innovative marketing campaigns, like Morby’s “Netflix and will?” slogan, aiming to destigmatize will-writing and position it as a key component of financial wellbeing – a crucial step for securing one’s future. You can learn more about the importance of wills here.

Experts recommend reviewing wills every three to five years or after major life events. Officials encourage individuals to seek legal advice to ensure their will is properly drafted and legally binding.