Do I really need a will?

[repeater]

I'm divorced and have 1 DC. I own my home outright and have several thousand pounds in savings. Do I really need a will?

Some good advice re DIY wills that are checked by a solicitor on Money Saving Expert website.

For example, if you and DC died at the same time, and the next available NOC (let's say a cousin) had joined a cult - would you want your assets to go to the cult?
I know someone who specifically called out that they didn't want a particular grand child to inherit because she had become a nun, and they didn't want their money going to the Catholic Church.
Those are the things you need to think about.

I wish people wouldn’t post such utter rubbish.

Pensions require neither Will nor Probate, they are OUTSIDE a person’s estate, a Death certificate is all that’s needed from the named beneficiary.
A will might not be needed for such a simple estate, intestacy means that the DC inherits everything. If DC predeceases then other relatives like parents and siblings are in the pecking order.
Applying for letters of administration is no more onerous than applying for probate. It’s basically the same process.

Yes. Make sure you put at least two alternative recipients to your daughter, in case she ore-deceases you (it happens sadly)

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/death-and-wills/who-can-inherit-if-there-is-no-will-the-rules-of-intestacy/

If your DC is under 18, they can't receive your estate. It should be held in trust until they are 18.
Your estate would go to your next of kin, an adult - so one of your parents.

Why make a will?
It's easier to administer an estate with a will so easier on your DC.
You have some control over who your estate goes to. If none of your family is alive at that point, you can nominate charities etc.
You can plan ahead for grandchildren who don't exist yet.

It's not expensive or difficult and doesn't make you die sooner.