Myth Busting with Rachel Hodges: Your Will‑Writing Questions Answered

Many people put off writing their Will because they think it’s complicated, expensive, or simply too overwhelming to start. To help clear things up, we sat down with solicitor Rachel Hodges of Carbon Law Partners to tackle some of the most common myths she encounters in practice.

I didn’t think I needed a Will — surely everything will just go to my kids?

Rachel:
This is one of the most common assumptions I hear, and unfortunately, it isn’t always true. Without a Will, your estate is divided according to the intestacy rules, and these don’t always match what families expect.

For example, if you have a partner you’re not married to, or children from previous relationships, things can become complicated very quickly. A Will gives you control over who inherits, removing uncertainty and avoiding potential disputes for the people you love.

The solicitor will ask me lots of intrusive questions.

Rachel:
The questions we ask aren’t designed to pry — they’re designed to protect you.
We need enough information to make sure your wishes can be carried out properly and that your Will is legally sound.

Most questions relate to:

• who you want to leave things to,
• who you trust to administer your estate,
• and any particular circumstances in your family you want taken into account.

It’s very normal, very professional, and most clients say it’s far easier than they expected.

I don’t want to be put on the spot and make the wrong decision.

Rachel:
You’re never put on the spot. A Will is something we work through with you.
If you’re uncertain about something — for example, choosing guardians or executors — we talk it through so you feel confident.

A Will can also be updated later. It’s far better to have a solid Will you can refine over time than none at all.

Writing a Will is expensive.

Rachel:
It doesn’t have to be.
Free Wills Month is a perfect example — during this period, participating solicitors draft simple Wills at no cost.

Even outside of campaigns like this, many people find that making a Will is far more affordable than they assumed, especially when they consider the costs their family might face if there’s no Will in place.
A properly drafted Will can save your loved ones time, money, and stress later on.

Leaving a gift to charity is only for people with loads of money.

Rachel:
Not at all. Gifts to charity come in all shapes and sizes.
Some people leave a small cash gift, others leave a percentage of their estate — which naturally adjusts depending on what they have when they pass.

Even modest gifts can make a huge difference to charities and the people or animals they support. It’s about impact, not wealth.

I’ve got children and grandchildren, so I can’t leave anything to charity.

Rachel:
You absolutely can, if you want to.
Many people choose to leave the bulk of their estate to their family and a smaller portion to a charity they care about.

Charitable gifts don’t take away from your love for your family — they simply ensure your values continue to make a difference after you’re gone.

If there’s nothing left when I go, are my family obliged to find the gift for the charity?

Rachel:
No.
Charitable gifts are usually worded so they come from what’s actually left in your estate. If there’s nothing remaining, the gift simply isn’t made, and your family do not have to cover it themselves.

This is one of the reasons it’s important to have your Will drafted properly — the wording protects everyone.

I’ve lived with my partner for years, so everything will automatically go to them… won’t it?

Rachel:
This is one of the biggest myths of all.
Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit under the intestacy rules, no matter how long you’ve been together.

If you want your partner to be protected — whether that’s through inheritance, the right to stay in your home, or access to your possessions — a Will is essential.

Final Thoughts from Rachel

Rachel:
“People often think making a Will is only for those with significant wealth, but it’s really about protecting the people you care about. Without a Will, your loved ones may have to spend time and money sorting out your affairs. Taking the time now to put a Will in place — especially when it can be done for free — is one of the simplest and kindest things you can do for them.”

If you still have questions, contact Rachel for reasonably priced wills and friendly advice all year round: https://carbonlawpartners.com/our-lawyers/rachel-hodges/