When simple estates are genuinely well covered
A married couple with one home, modest savings, adult children and a clear view of who they want to inherit what is, in planning terms, a relatively simple case. A mirror Will for each spouse, a financial and a health LPA each, and a basic review every five years often covers everything that needs covering.
What a straightforward estate looks like
Typically a single home, one or two pensions, some savings, no business interests, no foreign property, no trusts already in place, a stable family structure and total assets within the nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band combined. Where all of that applies, simple is appropriate. Anything more would be over-engineering.
When the intestacy rules work in a family's favour
For a married couple with their own children and modest assets, the intestacy rules can produce an outcome that is broadly fair. Even then, having a Will is preferable because it speeds up administration and removes uncertainty. But the outcome may not be drastically different.
The value of a review even when nothing needs to change
It is genuinely valuable to be told that everything is in order. Most people have a quiet worry at the back of their mind that they should have done something they have not. A proper review either confirms that worry is unfounded or identifies the one or two things worth tidying up. Either outcome is useful.
Peace of mind as an outcome
Peace of mind is not a soft outcome. It is one of the most valuable things a planning conversation can deliver. For families with simple needs, that peace of mind is often the whole point. The job is done. There is nothing else to worry about. Everyone can get on with their lives.