Seven Things Hollywood Gets Wrong About Wills
Quick answer · Applies to Ireland
Real wills are simpler than films suggest: there is rarely a dramatic reading, a will does not list everything you own, and gifts are often set as shares or percentages rather than exact figures. The executor gathers the estate, pays debts and completes probate, so inheritances take weeks or months rather than arriving on the day.
Making a will can feel like a big task. Hollywood has not exactly helped.
Films and television often show wills as long, mysterious documents filled with dramatic surprises. In real life, most wills are far more straightforward.
You usually do not need to list everything you own or decide exactly how much each person will receive. The most important part is choosing the people you trust and recording your wishes clearly.
Who would you like to inherit from you? Who should carry out your wishes? Who would you choose to care for your children?
Once you have made those decisions, creating your will may be simpler than you expect. Here are seven things Hollywood often gets wrong.
Is there really a dramatic reading of the will?
You have probably seen the scene. A family gathers in a big family room or a solicitor's office. Everyone waits while the solicitor reveals who gets the house, the sports car or a surprisingly small gift.
It makes great television, but this kind of formal reading rarely happens.
Instead, the executor begins looking after the estate. An estate simply means the money, property and belongings someone leaves behind. The people named in the will are then contacted as part of that process.
The focus is on following the person's wishes clearly and carefully, not creating a dramatic reveal.
Does a will list everything you own?
Films often show wills containing detailed lists of bank accounts, jewellery, investments and property. Most wills do not work that way.
Your will is not usually an inventory of everything you own. It records who you would like to inherit from you and who you trust to manage the process.
This means your will can continue to reflect your wishes even when your savings, belongings or property change over time.
Do wills state exact amounts?
Hollywood loves a precise figure. "I leave Sarah €250,000." "My nephew receives €50,000."
You can include a gift of a specific amount, but many wills use shares or percentages instead.
For example, you might leave everything to your spouse or partner. You might choose to divide what remains equally between your children or other people you care about.
It can be difficult to know what everything you own will be worth in the future. Using percentages or shares can give your will more flexibility.
Is a will only about money?
Your will can record several important choices.
You can name preferred guardians for your children or dependents. These are the people you would like to care for them if you are no longer able to.
You can also appoint an executor. This is the person you choose to carry out the instructions in your will.
Your will may also include gifts for family, friends or charities that matter to you.
For many people, choosing guardians and executors matters just as much as deciding who inherits.
What does an executor actually do?
In films, the executor sometimes appears only to announce who gets what. The real role involves much more.
An executor is the person you choose to carry out your wishes. They may need to:
- Find and value your money, property and belongings
- Contact banks and other organisations
- Pay any outstanding bills or taxes
- Apply for probate when needed
- Pass gifts and inheritances to the people named in your will
Probate is the legal process that confirms an executor can manage and distribute an estate.
It is an important role, so it helps to choose someone you trust and who is comfortable taking it on.
Do beneficiaries receive an inheritance straight away?
In films, someone may leave the solicitor's office with their inheritance already sorted. In real life, there are usually a few steps to complete first.
The executor may need to value property and belongings, contact financial organisations, settle outstanding bills and complete the probate process.
How long this takes depends on what the person owned and what needs to be arranged.
How much detail does a will need?
You do not need to document every possession before making your will. For many people, the key questions are:
- Who would you like to inherit from you?
- Who do you trust to act as your executor?
- Who would you choose to care for your children?
- Would you like to leave any particular gifts?
- Would you like to include a charity?
These are personal decisions, but they do not need to feel overwhelming. Once you know what you want, your will can record those choices clearly.
Real wills are usually simpler than the movies
Hollywood turns wills into stories about secrets, surprises and family drama.
A real will has a much calmer purpose. It helps the people you love understand your wishes and gives your executor clear instructions to follow.
At Willable, we guide you through the important decisions one step at a time. You do not need legal knowledge, and you will not be left with a blank form to figure out alone.
We explain each question in plain English, so you can focus on the people who matter and the wishes you want to record.
Because when it comes to your will, clarity matters more than suspense.