Many grandparents want to leave something behind for their grandchildren.

Whether it is money to help with education, a contribution towards their first home, a meaningful family possession, or simply a gift to show they are loved, leaving an inheritance to grandchildren is an important consideration for many families.

The good news is that you can leave money, property or other assets directly to your grandchildren in your Will.

In England and Wales, you are generally free to decide who benefits from your estate and how your assets are distributed after your death.

This means you can choose to leave:

• A cash gift to one or more grandchildren
• A percentage of your estate
• Property or shares of property
• Personal possessions with sentimental value
• Assets held through a trust arrangement

Your grandchildren do not have to wait until their parents inherit first. They can be named directly as beneficiaries in your Will.

However, careful planning is important, particularly if grandchildren are young, if you have a large family, or if you want to provide long-term protection for their inheritance.

In this guide, we explain:

• Whether grandchildren can inherit directly from a Will
• How to leave money to grandchildren
• Whether grandchildren automatically inherit
• What happens if grandchildren are under 18
• Whether a trust may be appropriate
• Common mistakes to avoid when including grandchildren in your estate plan

At Town & Country Law, we help individuals and families create professionally prepared Wills that reflect their wishes and provide clarity for future generations.

Speak to an Expert

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Can Grandchildren Inherit Directly From a Will?

Yes, grandchildren can inherit directly.

A common misconception is that grandparents must leave their estate to their children first, and that grandchildren can only inherit if their parents pass away.

This is not correct.

When you write your Will, you can decide who receives your assets.

Your beneficiaries can include:

• Children
• Grandchildren
• Other family members
• Friends
• Charities
• Organisations

For example, your Will could state that:

• Your daughter receives your property
• Your grandson receives £20,000
• Your granddaughter receives your jewellery collection
• The remainder of your estate is divided between your chosen beneficiaries

The key is making sure your Will clearly explains your wishes.

A professionally drafted Will helps reduce uncertainty and ensures your intentions are properly recorded.

Speak to an Expert

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Do Grandchildren Automatically Inherit From Grandparents?

No. Grandchildren do not automatically inherit.

This is one of the most important points to understand.

In England and Wales, there is no automatic right for grandchildren to receive an inheritance simply because they are grandchildren.

If someone dies without a Will, their estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy.

Under intestacy rules, grandchildren do not normally inherit if their parent (the deceased person’s child) is still alive.

For example:

A grandmother dies leaving:

• Two adult children
• Four grandchildren

If she has no Will, her estate would normally pass to her children rather than directly to her grandchildren.

If she wants her grandchildren to receive something, she should include them in a professionally prepared Will.

Speak to an Expert

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Why Do People Leave Money to Grandchildren?

There are many reasons grandparents choose to include grandchildren in their estate planning.

Every family is different, but common reasons include:

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Helping With Education

Many grandparents want to support their grandchildren’s future.

A gift in a Will could help with:

• University costs
• Professional training
• Educational expenses
• Courses or qualifications

For some families, leaving an inheritance is about giving younger generations opportunities they may not otherwise have.

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Helping Grandchildren Buy Their First Home

With rising property prices, some grandparents choose to leave money to help grandchildren get onto the property ladder.

A Will could provide:

• A fixed cash gift
• A share of the estate
• Funds held in trust until a certain age

For example:

“I leave £25,000 to each of my grandchildren to assist with their future housing needs.”

Speak to an Expert

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Creating a Family Legacy

For many people, inheritance is not only about money.

Grandparents often want to pass something meaningful to the next generation.

This could include:

• Family jewellery
• A special collection
• A family home
• Personal possessions
• Family business interests

Specific gifts can be included within a Will to ensure important items go to chosen beneficiaries.

You can read more about leaving specific gifts here:

Can You Write Different Gifts in Your Will? A Guide to Leaving Specific Gifts

Writing a Will When You Own Sentimental Items: How to Pass on More Than Just Money

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Supporting Grandchildren Who Need Additional Help

Sometimes grandparents want to provide extra support because of a grandchild’s circumstances.

Examples include grandchildren who:

• Have additional financial needs
• Require ongoing support
• Are unable to manage money independently
• Need long-term assistance

In these situations, simply leaving a large sum of money directly may not always be the best approach.

A trust arrangement may provide greater protection and control.

Speak to an Expert

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Can You Leave Different Amounts of Money to Different Grandchildren?

Yes.

There is no requirement for every grandchild to receive an equal inheritance.

You may decide to leave different amounts based on:

• Age
• Financial circumstances
• Personal relationships
• Previous support provided
• Individual needs

For example:

• A grandchild who is buying their first home may receive more financial help.
• A younger grandchild may receive assets held until they reach a certain age.
• A grandchild who has already received significant support may receive a smaller gift.

However, unequal gifts should be carefully considered.

If family members may question your decisions, a Letter of Wishes can help explain your intentions.

A Letter of Wishes is not legally binding, but it can provide valuable guidance for executors and family members.

Speak to an Expert

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Should Grandchildren Inherit Before Children?

There is no correct answer.

Some grandparents prefer their children to inherit everything first.

Others want to provide directly for grandchildren.

The right approach depends on your circumstances.

For example:

Option 1: Children Inherit First

Some grandparents choose to leave their estate to their children, trusting them to support future generations.

Advantages:

• Simple arrangement
• Fewer beneficiaries
• Allows children to make decisions

Potential disadvantages:

• Grandchildren may not receive anything directly
• Assets may not ultimately reach grandchildren

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Option 2: Grandchildren Receive Direct Gifts

Some grandparents choose to include grandchildren directly.

Advantages:

• Ensures grandchildren benefit personally
• Allows specific gifts
• Creates a direct legacy

Potential disadvantages:

• Requires careful planning for younger grandchildren
• May require trust arrangements

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What Happens If a Grandchild Is Born After You Write Your Will?

Family circumstances often change.

You may write your Will when you have:

• No grandchildren
• One grandchild
• A small number of grandchildren

Years later, your family may look very different.

This is why reviewing your Will regularly is important.

Major events that may require updating your Will include:

• Birth of grandchildren
• Death of a beneficiary
• Marriage or divorce
• Significant changes to your assets

You can learn more about reviewing your Will here:

When Should You Update Your Will & LPA?

Can You Leave Your House to Your Grandchildren?

Yes, you can leave your house or a share of your property to your grandchildren in your Will.

In England and Wales, property can be gifted to almost any individual or organisation you choose, including grandchildren.

For many families, the family home represents more than just financial value. It may contain decades of memories and represent an important part of a family’s history.

Some grandparents choose to leave their home to grandchildren because they want to:

• Keep property within the family
• Provide long-term financial security
• Create a lasting family legacy
• Help younger generations in the future

However, leaving property to grandchildren requires careful consideration.

A house is different from a cash gift because:

• Property values can change
• Multiple beneficiaries may have competing interests
• Maintenance and running costs need to be considered
• Younger beneficiaries may not be able to manage property ownership

Speak to an Expert

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What Should You Consider Before Leaving Property to Grandchildren?

Before leaving your home or another property to grandchildren, consider:

1. Will They Be Old Enough to Manage the Property?

A grandchild may inherit property while they are still young.

This raises practical questions:

• Who manages the property until they are older?
• Who pays insurance and maintenance costs?
• Can the property be sold if needed?
• Who makes decisions on their behalf?

A trust may sometimes be a more suitable solution.

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2. Could the Property Create Family Disagreements?

Inherited property can sometimes create disagreements between family members.

For example:

A grandparent leaves a house to three grandchildren.

One grandchild wants to keep the property.

Another wants to sell.

Another wants rental income.

Without clear planning, this can become complicated.

A professionally drafted Will can help clarify your intentions.

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3. Will Other Family Members Expect to Inherit the Property?

Sometimes grandparents leave assets directly to grandchildren while their children are still alive.

This is perfectly possible, but it is worth considering whether your decisions may come as a surprise to other family members.

Clear communication and supporting documents, such as a Letter of Wishes, can help explain your intentions.

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Can You Leave Money to Grandchildren Under 18?

Yes, but special considerations apply.

A child under 18 can be named as a beneficiary in a Will.

However, they may not be able to receive and manage a significant inheritance themselves until they reach the relevant age.

Many grandparents choose to include provisions that allow inheritance to be managed until the grandchild reaches a certain age.

For example:

• Money can be held until age 18
• Money can be held until age 21
• Money can be held until age 25

The appropriate arrangement depends on the circumstances and what you want to achieve.

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Why Might a Trust Be Used for Grandchildren?

A trust can sometimes provide additional control over how inheritance is managed.

Rather than a grandchild receiving assets outright, assets can be placed into a trust and managed by appointed trustees.

This may be appropriate where:

• The grandchild is young
• You want inheritance protected until a certain age
• You want trustees to manage funds responsibly
• You want flexibility over how assets are used

For example:

A grandparent may want their grandchild to benefit from an inheritance but does not want them receiving a large sum of money at 18.

A trust could allow funds to be managed until the grandchild is older and potentially better equipped to make financial decisions.

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How Do Trusts Help Protect Grandchildren’s Inheritance?

Trusts can provide structure and control.

Depending on the type of trust used, they may allow trustees to:

• Manage investments
• Control distributions
• Consider the beneficiary’s circumstances
• Protect assets for future generations

Trust planning can be particularly useful for families where there are:

• Young grandchildren
• Complex family relationships
• Significant assets
• Concerns about financial management

You can learn more about trusts here:

Trust and Trustee Services

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Who Manages a Grandchild’s Inheritance?

If a grandchild inherits while they are young, someone may need to manage those assets.

This is usually done by:

• Trustees
• Executors during estate administration
• Appointed individuals named within the Will

Choosing the right people is important.

A suitable trustee should ideally be:

• Responsible
• Financially sensible
• Someone you trust to act in the beneficiary’s best interests

This is similar to choosing an executor for your Will.

You can read more about executor responsibilities here:

The Duties of an Executor of a Will

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Can You Leave Money to Future Grandchildren Who Are Not Born Yet?

Yes, it is possible to make provision for future grandchildren.

This is particularly relevant for grandparents who:

• Have children who may have children in the future
• Want their estate to benefit future generations
• Want to create a long-term family legacy

A Will can be drafted to include future beneficiaries.

For example:

“I leave £10,000 to each of my grandchildren living at the date of my death.”

This type of wording can allow grandchildren born after the Will was written to benefit.

However, careful drafting is essential to ensure your intentions are clear.

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Should You Leave Money Directly to Grandchildren or Through Their Parents?

This is a common decision grandparents face.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches.

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Leaving Money Directly to Grandchildren

Advantages:

✔ Ensures grandchildren receive something personally
✔ Creates a direct legacy
✔ Allows specific gifts to be made

Considerations:

• Young grandchildren may need trust arrangements
• Family circumstances may change
• More beneficiaries may need to be managed

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Leaving Money to Your Children Instead

Advantages:

✔ Simpler estate administration
✔ Children can decide how to support their own families
✔ Fewer beneficiaries involved

Considerations:

• Grandchildren may not benefit directly
• Your intentions may not ultimately be followed
• Your children’s circumstances may change

Speak to an Expert

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Can Grandchildren Inherit If Their Parent Has Died?

Yes.

If a child has died before their parent, grandparents often want to ensure their grandchildren receive what their child would have inherited.

This is commonly addressed through Will planning.

For example:

A grandparent has two children.

One child dies before them but leaves children.

The grandparent may wish their deceased child’s share to pass to their grandchildren instead.

A professionally prepared Will can include provisions to address these situations.

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Common Mistakes When Leaving Inheritance to Grandchildren

Mistake 1: Forgetting to Update Your Will After Grandchildren Are Born

Many people write a Will before becoming grandparents and never update it.

As families grow, your Will should be reviewed.

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Mistake 2: Leaving Large Gifts Without Considering Age

A large inheritance at a young age may not achieve your intended outcome.

Consider whether a trust arrangement may be more appropriate.

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Mistake 3: Not Naming Beneficiaries Clearly

Avoid unclear wording such as:

• “My grandchildren”
• “My future grandchildren”
• “My children’s descendants”

unless the legal meaning is clear.

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Mistake 4: Ignoring Family Circumstances

Consider:

• Step-grandchildren
• Adopted grandchildren
• Family relationships
• Changing circumstances

Your Will should reflect your actual wishes.

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Mistake 5: Not Considering Tax and Estate Planning Implications

Large estates and complex family arrangements may require additional planning.

Professional advice can help ensure your Will works alongside your wider estate planning objectives.

Real-Life Examples of Leaving Money to Grandchildren in a Will

Every family has different priorities, relationships and circumstances. The right inheritance plan depends on what you want to achieve and how you want your legacy to be passed on.

Below are some common examples of how grandparents may choose to include grandchildren in their Wills.

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Example 1: Helping Grandchildren Get Onto the Property Ladder

John and Margaret have two children and four grandchildren.

They want their grandchildren to have financial help when they are older, particularly because they know buying a first home can be challenging.

Rather than leaving everything directly to their children, they decide to include specific gifts in their Will:

• Each grandchild receives a cash gift
• The money is held until they reach a certain age
• The gift can be used towards a home deposit or other important life expenses

This allows them to create a direct legacy for their grandchildren while still providing flexibility.

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Example 2: Leaving a Family Home to Future Generations

A grandmother owns a property that has been in the family for many years.

She wants the home to remain within the family rather than being sold after her death.

Her Will provides that:

• Her grandchildren inherit the property
• Trustees manage the arrangement until they reach an appropriate age
• The property can be managed according to the terms of the Will

This type of arrangement requires careful planning because property ownership involves ongoing responsibilities.

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Example 3: Providing for Grandchildren From a Previous Relationship

Blended families are increasingly common.

A grandparent may have:

• Children from a previous relationship
• Stepchildren
• Grandchildren from different family branches

A carefully prepared Will allows them to decide how different family members should benefit.

For example:

• Some assets may pass to children
• Specific gifts may pass to grandchildren
• Trust arrangements may protect future generations

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Example 4: Supporting a Grandchild Who Needs Additional Protection

A grandparent may want to support a grandchild but have concerns about leaving them a large inheritance directly.

For example:

• The grandchild is very young
• They struggle with financial management
• They require ongoing support

A trust arrangement may allow assets to be managed responsibly while still benefiting the grandchild.

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Should Grandparents Leave Money to Children or Grandchildren?

There is no universal answer.

The right choice depends on your family situation and your objectives.

Some grandparents prefer their children to inherit because:

• Their children are closer to their own financial needs
• They trust their children to support grandchildren
• It keeps estate planning simpler

Others choose to leave assets directly to grandchildren because:

• They want to create a personal legacy
• They want grandchildren to benefit independently
• They want to support future generations directly

Both approaches can be appropriate.

The important thing is ensuring your Will reflects your actual intentions.

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How Can You Make Sure Your Grandchildren Receive Their Inheritance?

The best way to ensure grandchildren benefit according to your wishes is to create a clear and professionally drafted Will.

Your Will should clearly state:

• Who your beneficiaries are
• What they will receive
• When they will receive it
• Whether any conditions apply

You should also consider:

• Who your executors will be
• Whether trustees are needed
• Whether a Letter of Wishes would be useful

A clear estate plan reduces uncertainty and helps your family understand your decisions.

Speak to an Expert

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Related Town & Country Law Guides

If you are planning to leave an inheritance for grandchildren, it is important to consider how your wider estate plan works together.

Our related guides explain more about leaving assets to family members, protecting inheritance and making sure your wishes are clearly recorded.

Can You Leave Your House to One Child and Money to Another?

Not every family chooses to divide their estate in exactly the same way. Some people may decide to leave property to one child while providing other assets, such as savings or investments, to another.

Our guide explains how this works and the important considerations when leaving different assets to different family members.

Read our guide: Can You Leave Your House to One Child and Money to Another?

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Can You Leave Different Amounts to Children in a Will?

Parents and grandparents sometimes want to leave different amounts to family members based on their individual circumstances.

Our guide explains whether children must inherit equally, why people choose unequal inheritance arrangements and how to make sure your wishes are clearly documented.

Read our guide: Can You Leave Different Amounts to Children in a Will?

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Mirror Wills Explained

Many couples create Mirror Wills to ensure their wishes are aligned and that their estate passes to the people they choose.

Our guide explains how Mirror Wills work, who they are suitable for and the important considerations when planning inheritance for children and grandchildren.

Read our guide: Mirror Wills Explained

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Choosing an Executor for Your Will

Your executor plays an important role in ensuring your wishes are carried out after your death.

Our guide explains what an executor does, how to choose the right person and the responsibilities involved in administering an estate.

Read our guide: Choosing an Executor for Your Will

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Trust and Trustee Services

In some circumstances, a trust may help provide additional control over how inheritance is managed, particularly where grandchildren are young or where you want assets protected for future generations.

Our trust services guide explains how trusts work and when they may be worth considering as part of your estate planning.

Read our guide: Trust and Trustee Services

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Planning Your Family Legacy

Leaving an inheritance to grandchildren is about more than simply passing on money or assets. A carefully prepared estate plan can help ensure your wishes are understood and provide clarity for the people you leave behind.

At Town & Country Law, we can help you create a Will tailored to your family circumstances, whether you want to provide for children, grandchildren or future generations.

Find out more about our Will Writing Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you leave money to grandchildren in a Will?

Yes. In England and Wales, you can leave money, property or other assets directly to your grandchildren through your Will.

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Do grandchildren automatically inherit from grandparents?

No. Grandchildren do not automatically inherit simply because they are grandchildren. If you want your grandchildren to benefit, they should be included in your Will.

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Can I leave my house to my grandchildren?

Yes. You can leave your property to your grandchildren, although property inheritance should be carefully planned because of ownership, maintenance and age considerations.

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Can grandchildren inherit before children?

Yes. You can choose to leave assets directly to grandchildren rather than passing everything through your children first.

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Can I leave different amounts to different grandchildren?

Yes. You can decide how much each grandchild receives. However, your Will should clearly explain your wishes.

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What happens if my grandchild is under 18 when I die?

Their inheritance may need to be managed by trustees until they reach an appropriate age depending on the terms of your Will.

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Should I create a trust for my grandchildren?

A trust may be appropriate where you want greater control over when and how grandchildren receive their inheritance, particularly if they are young.

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Can I include future grandchildren in my Will?

Yes. Your Will can be drafted to include grandchildren who may be born in the future.

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Can step-grandchildren inherit from my Will?

Yes. You can choose to include step-grandchildren as beneficiaries, but your Will should clearly identify who you want to benefit.

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Can grandchildren challenge a Will?

Like any beneficiary or potential beneficiary, grandchildren may have rights in certain circumstances. Clear Will drafting can help reduce uncertainty.

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Conclusion: Creating a Legacy for Future Generations

Leaving money to grandchildren is a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy and provide support for future generations.

Whether you want to leave a simple cash gift, pass on family property, or create a structured inheritance plan, your Will allows you to decide how your wishes should be carried out.

The most important thing is ensuring your intentions are clearly documented.

A professionally prepared Will can help provide clarity, reduce uncertainty and give your family confidence that your wishes will be respected.

At Town & Country Law, we help individuals and families create tailored Wills designed around their personal circumstances.

Whether you are planning for children, grandchildren or future generations, we can help you create an estate plan that reflects what matters most.