National Wills Report: Over a third of adults would have a digital will

The 2025 National Wills Report from The National Will Register, the UK’s will search and registration service, surveyed over 2,000 adults across the nation to shine a light on the nation’s attitudes towards will writing and estate planning.

Are wills going digital?

With recommendations from the Law Commission to modernise will legislation, digital wills are becoming a key part of the national conversation with it becoming increasingly likely to be an accepted practice.

The report found that 36% of adults would happily have a digital will, while 39% still prefer a traditional paper will.

This growing appetite for digital solutions shows the potential for technology to make will writing more accessible – provided trust and security remain central to the process.

Are we a prepared nation?

The report also highlights how attitudes toward preparation are shifting. Around 37% of UK adults currently have a will, while a further 34% plan to write one within the next year – which could see millions more taking action to secure their estates.

For most people (70%), the motivation remains simple: ensuring their estate is distributed according to their wishes. This reflects a strong desire for clarity and control over what happens after death.

Talking about death is becoming less of a taboo in the UK. New research shows that nearly four in five adults (79%) are now comfortable discussing it. Yet, a crucial gap remains between conversation and action.

While more people are open to discussing their wishes, many still fail to take the practical steps needed to prepare for the inevitable, leaving families to face uncertainty and stress during an already difficult time.

The rise of ‘shadow wills’

However, preparation means little if a will can’t be found. The report identifies a growing issue with so-called ‘shadow wills’ – wills that exist but are missing when they’re needed most.

Almost a third of people (29%) with a will haven’t told anyone where it’s stored while over half of adults (51%) don’t know where their parents’ wills are kept.

This lack of communication creates stress and delays for families, and the report underscores the importance of securely recording and sharing these details.

You can access the latest National Wills Report by clicking here.