A couple who sorted their wills while in their 20s have described the process as easier than expected, urging others not to be scared by it.
Tiernan Annis was 29 when he and his fiancée Jorgia Corney decided to arrange their wills. The pair first began thinking about it after purchasing a flat together in London a couple of years ago. For unmarried couples who own property together, whether a home passes to a partner after death depends on how the property is owned.
Another key reason for organising the wills was to arrange care for their dog Marsie if the worst were to happen.
Why the couple decided to write wills
Tiernan, a data analyst now aged 30, said: “When you're in your 20s or 30s, you assume you're invincible and you're not going to have any problems - but you see loads of people, unfortunately at a young age, getting into difficulties and health issues. It is better to be safe than sorry.”
He added: “We assumed that it would be a really arduous process, loads of documentation - but to be honest, it was a lot easier than we were expecting. My parents had been going through the process like a couple of years previous. So I think because of that, I helped get a sense of why it's important.”
Using Will Aid and Free Wills Month
Tiernan and Jorgia used the Will Aid charity scheme, where participating solicitors volunteer their time to write basic wills every November. Instead of charging usual fees, a voluntary donation is made and shared among major UK charities. Free Wills Month also runs in March and October for people aged 55 and over.
Research by Will Aid shows 67% of adults either do not have a will or admit the one they have is out of date. Of those without a will, 29% said they believe they have nothing worth leaving. Cost and not finding the time were cited by 19% of people, while 18% said they felt uncomfortable thinking about death.
Advice for anyone considering a will
Tiernan shared the following advice: “I'd say don't be scared by the process. It's a lot easier than we assumed it would be and a lot quicker - and obviously being able to contribute towards a charity is something that feels good to do.”
