What You Should Never Put in Your Will UK: Guide for Everyone

PHS Team

25 Oct, 2025

When you write your will, it’s important to be clear and avoid including things that might confuse your family or cause legal problems later. Personal messages, gifts with strict conditions, or joint assets can lead to misunderstandings or disputes, making it harder for your loved ones to carry out your wishes

Understanding what you should never put in your will is essential for keeping things clear. This guide covers 8 things not to put in your will, helping protect your wishes and reduce possible stress and disputes for the people you care about most.

8 Things not to put in your will

Understanding what you should never put in your will UK can help you draft a clear and legally sound document. Below are the 8 things not to put in your will.

1. Conditions attached to gifts

Adding conditions to gifts in your will might seem like a good way to control how your estate is used. However, these conditions can often cause problems and legal issues.

• Adding conditions like "only give this gift if they get married" can lead to disputes.
• Conditional gifts may be ignored or challenged legally.
• Use simple gift instructions without strings attached.

2. Assets you don’t own solely

Some assets, like property or bank accounts owned jointly with others, do not pass through your will but automatically go to the surviving owner. Leased or financed items also cannot be gifted through your will.

• Jointly owned properties pass to the surviving owner automatically.
• Joint bank accounts and life insurance policies are handled outside the will.
• Leased or financed items cannot be left as gifts via a will.

3. Personal Messages or Family Instructions

After someone passes away, their will usually becomes a public document when it goes through probate. This means personal messages or family instructions in the will can cause disagreements or hurt feelings. It’s better to keep private notes separate from your will.

• Wills become public after probate; avoid private messages or apologies.
• Including family disputes or personal wishes can cause conflict.
• Use separate letters for personal notes outside your will.

4. Funeral Arrangements

Funeral wishes included in a will are often not followed because the will is usually read after the funeral. It’s better to tell family directly or appoint a trusted person to manage funeral plans.

• Funeral wishes in a will are often ignored as the will is read after the funeral.
• Tell family members directly or appoint someone trusted to handle funeral details.

5. Gifts to Pets 

Pets cannot directly inherit money or property, so it’s best to leave funds to a trusted person for their care. 

• Pets cannot inherit money or property; leave money to a trusted person for their care.

6. Pension plans and life insurance

Pension plans and life insurance policies have their own beneficiary forms; you don’t need to include them in your will.

• These assets pass directly to named beneficiaries, not through your will.
• Always update your policy details to make sure your wishes are followed.

7. Business Interests Without Proper Planning

Leaving business shares or interests in your will without a proper plan can cause conflicts and delays. Using business succession plans or buy-sell agreements helps ensure smooth ownership transfer.

• Avoid leaving business shares directly in your will without agreements.
• Use business succession plans or buy-sell agreements instead.

8. Sensitive Information Like Passwords

Sensitive information like passwords and PINs should never be included in your will, as the will becomes a public document. Instead, keep these details secure in a separate document and share them only with someone you trust.

• Do not include passwords or PINs in your will, as it becomes public.
• Keep these details secure in a separate document and share with a trusted person.

Conclusion

Knowing what you should never put in your will UK is essential to creating a clear, effective, and legally sound document. Avoiding common difficulties such as conditional gifts, joint assets, personal messages, and sensitive information can prevent delays, disputes, and confusion during a difficult time. 

A well-prepared will ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for as you intend.

Get expert help

If you need expert help drafting or reviewing your will, or want advice on inheritance tax planning to protect your estate, get in touch today. Call 0208 8611685 or email info@phs-uk.co.uk to ensure your family’s future is secure and your inheritance tax burden is minimised.

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