Most people delay making a will because they assume it is complicated, expensive, or something only older people need. In reality, every adult who owns anything of value — even a bank account, a savings deposit, or a digital wallet — should have a will. A will is not about age; it is about clarity and protecting your family.

This 2026 guide explains, in simple language, what a will is, why you absolutely need one, and how to create it step by step.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that states:

Who will inherit your assets
In what proportion
Who will carry out your wishes
How your dependents will be taken care of

It becomes legally effective only after your lifetime.

Why You Should Make a Will Now

Life is uncertain, and a will ensures your family does not face stress, legal delays, frozen accounts, or disputes. Here are the key reasons to make a will, even if you are young:

Ensures your assets go to the right people
Protects your spouse, children, and parents
Helps avoid family conflicts
Lets you appoint guardians for children
Covers your digital assets like UPI apps, crypto, passwords, social media accounts
Takes less than 15 minutes with modern online tools

A will is one of the simplest ways to secure your family’s future.

Who Can Make a Will in India?

Any adult above 18 years of sound mind can make a will. You can make a will even if:

You have small savings
You have loans
You live on ren
You are single

Your will covers the assets you own at the time of your passing, not only what you own today.

What Assets Can Be Included in a Will?

Almost everything you own can be included. Common categories:

Financial assets:
Bank accounts, fixed deposits, insurance maturity amounts, mutual funds, PPF, EPF, stocks, demat accounts.

Physical assets:
House, flat, land, vehicles, jewellery, valuables.

Digital assets (important in 2026):
UPI accounts, online wallets, crypto, email and social media accounts, digital photos and files, domain names, online businesses. Digital assets are often forgotten, leaving families locked out. A modern will must list them clearly.

How to Create a Will in India: Step-by-Step (2026 Guide)

Step 1: List all your assets
Write down everything you own so nothing is missed.

Step 2: Choose your beneficiaries
These are the people who will inherit your assets. You can specify percentages or exact amounts.

Step 3: Appoint a Primary and Secondary Executor
This is the person you trust to carry out your wishes. Choose someone reliable and preferably younger.

Step 4: Add two witnesses
Your will must be signed in front of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. They do not need to read the will.

Step 5: Sign your will and store it safely
A will does not need to be registered or printed on stamp paper.
Just sign every page and keep it in a safe place. Tell your executor where it is stored.

Online platforms like iWills.in help you create a legally structured will within minutes.

Do You Need to Register a Will?

No. Registration is optional. An unregistered will is completely valid if signed and witnessed properly. However, a registered will:

Has higher legal credibility
Is harder to challenge
Is stored safely with the sub-registrar

Most people today choose not to register and instead keep the document safely at home.

When Should You Update Your Will?

Update your will whenever major life changes happen:

Marriage or divorce
Birth of a child
Buying a new property
A significant change in your financial situation
Death of a beneficiary

You can revise your will as many times as you want. Only the latest version is valid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Will

Having beneficiaries sign as witnesses
Not specifying clear percentages
Not describing assets properly
Forgetting to include digital assets
Not appointing an executor
Leaving out small but important assets
Not signing all pages

Small mistakes create big problems later. Using a guided online tool helps avoid errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write my will on plain paper?
Yes, a will on plain paper is legally valid.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not mandatory. You can write your own will or use online platforms that generate a structured will.
Does a nominee override a will?
No. A nominee only holds the asset temporarily. The will decides who actually inherits it.
How long does it take to create a will using iWills.in?
Less than 15 minutes.

Why Make Your Will with iWills.in?

Create a legally structured will
Avoid common mistakes
Cover digital and modern assets
Download your will instantly
Complete everything in a guided, simple flow

Your will is not for you — it is for your family. A clear will prevents confusion and gives your loved ones peace of mind.

Final Thought

There is no “perfect age” to make a will. The right time is always now. You can create your will in minutes through iWills.in and ensure that your family is protected, your assets are distributed as you wish, and your legacy is secure.