Estate planning (wills, lasting power of attorney, life insurance, beneficiary documentation) among UK women has increased dramatically in 2020s. Reflects sustained financial independence, single-women households increasing, and reduced reliance on assumption that male partner will handle estate matters.
What's driving the shift
Single women households increasing. Higher female homeownership and pension balances. Awareness of risks of dying intestate. Pandemic experience raising mortality awareness across generations.
What women are doing
Wills more commonly drawn up in 30s rather than 50s. Lasting Powers of Attorney increasingly common. Life insurance and income protection more often held independently. Beneficiary documentation for pensions and ISAs updated regularly.
Practical implications
If you don't have a will, write one. If you have minor children, nominate guardians. If you have unmarried partner or step-children, formal documentation matters more. Online services (Farewill, Co-op Legal) handle simple cases for £100-200.