Five Reasons Every New Parent Should Write a Will
Becoming a parent changes everything.
Your priorities shift, your responsibilities grow, and suddenly planning for the future feels more important than ever.
One of the most important things you can do is write a Will.
A Will helps make sure your wishes are clear, your child is provided for, and important decisions are not left uncertain.
Here are five reasons every new parent should consider writing one.
1. You can make your wishes clear
A Will gives you the opportunity to set out what you would like to happen to your money, property and possessions.
It means your wishes are recorded clearly rather than leaving others to make difficult decisions later.
2. You can make plans for your children
For parents, one of the biggest reasons to write a Will is being able to make plans for children under 18.
You can name the people you would like to act as guardians and make sure your wishes about their future are clearly recorded.
That can bring real peace of mind.
3. You can protect the future you are building
Becoming a parent often comes with other big life changes too.
You may have bought a home, taken out insurance, built up savings or changed your financial priorities.
Writing a Will helps make sure those plans reflect your new family circumstances.
4. You can review what matters most to you
Parenthood has a way of making you think differently about the future.
A Will is not only about finances. It is also an opportunity to think about the people, values and causes that matter most to you.
Once you have taken care of your loved ones, you may also choose to leave a gift to a charity that is important to you.
5. It gives you peace of mind
Writing a Will can feel like a big job, but having one in place can be incredibly reassuring.
It means you have taken practical steps to protect your family and make sure your wishes are understood.
For many parents, that peace of mind is reason enough.
Write your Will for free with Octopus Legacy
From 7 September to 31 October 2026, The Care Workers’ Charity is partnering with Octopus Legacy for Free Wills Month.
Through our partnership, you can write or update your Will for free with Octopus Legacy and take an important step towards making sure your wishes are clearly recorded.
After providing for your loved ones, you may also choose to leave a gift to The Care Workers’ Charity, helping us continue to support care workers for generations to come.
There is no obligation to leave a gift. Your Will should always reflect your own wishes and priorities.
Whether you are writing your first Will or reviewing one you already have, this can be a good opportunity to make sure your plans reflect the life you have now.
Not sure whether you need to write a new Will or update the one you already have? Octopus Legacy’s estate-planning quiz can help you understand where you stand and suggest useful next steps.