The risks of not writing a will are well explained in this article by the Independent. Risks include high levels of taxation, money going to people it was not intended for and in the case of a small business, its potential collapse.

Dying without a will is termed dying "intestate". This has implications as to who gets what and these may not be consistent with an individual's wishes. For example, cohabiting partners may not be prioritised or included. Following someone's death parties who feel they have been overlooked may then pursue legal action. This leads to additional stress and unpleasantness.

One of the key concerns for the small business owner is the potential of a business collapse following their death, with no one to authorise payments. Given the significance of small businesses as an employer and also as the Independent article points out that "99.3 per cent of all private sector businesses" so the implications are wide reaching yet avoidable by getting a will in place.

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