Five common myths about writing or updating your Will
Monday, 03 August 2026
If you've been meaning to write a Will, or update one you made years ago, you're not alone.
It's one of those jobs many of us know we should do, but often put off for another day. Whether it’s life being busy or thinking that it will be confusing and time-consuming, writing or updating a Will is often much simpler than people think.
Here are five common myths that may be stopping you from taking that next step.
Myth one: "I don't have enough money or assets to need a Will"
A Will isn't just about money.
It's about making your wishes clear and helping those closest to you understand what you want to happen after you're gone.
Whether you own a home, have savings, personal possessions or simply want to ensure your affairs are in order, having a Will can provide clarity and peace of mind for the people you care about.
Myth two: "Writing a Will is complicated"
Many people imagine writing a Will involves lengthy paperwork and difficult legal language.
In reality, many Wills can be completed in around an hour with professional guidance. Whether you’re using the step-by-step process online through Farewill, or with a solicitor in their office or on Zoom, you’ll have support every step of the way.
Using a solicitor can help ensure your wishes are clearly recorded and legally valid. They can also advise on areas such as inheritance tax and estate planning, making the process straightforward and reassuring.
Myth three: "If I use a charity's Free Wills Service, I have to leave them a gift"
No. Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity offers a Free Wills Service to help make Will writing accessible and easy.
There is absolutely no obligation to leave a gift to the Charity.
However, once family and friends have been taken care of, many supporters choose to remember the Charity in their Will because they want future generations to benefit from the same lifesaving service they value today.
Myth four: "Only large gifts make a difference"
Every gift can help make a difference.
Some people choose to leave a fixed sum of money, known as a pecuniary gift. Others leave a percentage of their estate, known as a residuary gift, or a specific item such as jewellery, property, shares or investments.
Whatever form a gift takes, it can help support vital areas of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity's service, including:
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The Bell 429 helicopter and critical care cars
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Specialist medical equipment and lifesaving drugs
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Fuel and flight suits for the crew
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Pre-hospital blood transfusions
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Advanced simulation training for critical care paramedics and doctors
On average, one in three missions are funded thanks to Gifts in Wills, helping ensure expert critical care is available when it is needed most.
Legacy gifts can also help fund transformational projects. One generous gift enabled the Charity to purchase the land where its airbase now stands, helping create a secure foundation for the future.
Myth five: "If I leave a gift in my Will, I need to tell the Charity"
You don't have to tell us if you've included Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity in your Will.
Your Will is a personal decision and your wishes will always be respected.
However, some supporters choose to let us know. This gives us the opportunity to thank them and explain how their future gift could help save lives across Wiltshire and Bath.
There is never any pressure, and our team will always answer questions honestly and sensitively.
Taking the first step
Writing or updating your Will doesn't have to be a daunting task.
For many people, the hardest part is simply getting started.
By putting plans in place today, you can help provide peace of mind for your loved ones and ensure your wishes are clearly recorded.
And for those who choose to remember Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity in their Will, that decision can help ensure we are there for the people that need us, not just today but tomorrow and every day after that.
Planning isn't just about what you leave behind, but the legacy you make. After all, a gift in your will costs nothing in your lifetime but could mean a lifetime for someone else - the greatest gift of all.
