Why a “Simple Will” Might Not Be So Simple

“I just need a simple Will—everything to my spouse, and then to my children.”

It’s a phrase I’ve heard more times than I can count—and one I said myself before I became qualified to advise on Wills and Estate Planning. At first glance, it feels like the most straightforward way to handle your estate. You want to make sure your spouse is taken care of, and that your children inherit after that. Simple, right?

But when someone says this to me now, I always respond the same way:

“That’s absolutely fine—if that’s what you want, I can certainly deliver that. But before we proceed, can I just ask you a few questions?”

And then I ask:

• Would you be happy if any of your estate intended for your children ended up with their ex-spouse instead?
• Would you be happy if your children paid more Inheritance Tax than necessary?
• Would you be happy if the local Council took more in Care Home Fees than they had to?
• Would you be happy if you passed away first, your spouse remarried, and your estate ended up with another family entirely?
• Would you be happy if your estate went to your children's creditors if they became bankrupt?

As you can imagine, the response to these questions is always the same:

“No way!”

This is where the myth of the “simple Will” starts to unravel. While a basic Will can outline your wishes, it offers no protection against common risks that can dramatically alter the legacy you hope to leave behind.

The truth is, a simple Will alone won’t safeguard your assets from relationship breakdowns, tax inefficiencies, care home assessments, remarriage complications, or financial difficulties faced by your beneficiaries.

But here’s the good news: There is a solution. With the right estate planning tools—such as Trusts and protective Will structures—you can create a plan that secures your legacy, protects your loved ones, and ensures your assets go exactly where you want them to.

So, while a simple Will might seem sufficient on the surface, taking the time to explore your options now can make all the difference later. After all, estate planning isn’t just about dividing what you have—it’s about protecting everything you’ve worked for and passing it on to those you love most.

📞 Ready to protect your legacy?

Get in touch with me: Andy at Your Secured Legacy today for expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

📍 Check out my feature here: Your Secured Legacy – The Best Of Taunton & Bridgwater

Your legacy deserves more than “simple.”