The Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly), a membership body representing over 1,700 solicitors who specialise in working with older and vulnerable people, is promoting Update Your Will Week 2025 from 3rd- 7th March, to highlight the importance of regularly reviewing and updating your will.
A will is a legally binding document that sets out how your estate should be distributed after your death and confirms who will be responsible for administering it. Keeping your will up to date ensures that your wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable.
The need for regular updates
Research commissioned by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers and carried out by Censuswide reveals:
- Almost 50% of adults in the UK don’t have a will in place.
- Only 56% of respondents in the South East have updated their will within the last five years.
- Half of respondents in the South East have experienced a life-changing event, such as getting married, divorced, or having a child, since they last updated their will.
- One-fifth (22%) of respondents in the South East know someone who has been affected by issues arising from an outdated or incorrect will.
“It is a common misconception that creating or updating a will is a tedious and costly task, but it’s not the case at all.” – Rebecca Hatton, Wills Trusts and Probate Solicitor
Why having an up-to-date will is essential
A well-drafted, regularly reviewed will ensures that your estate is distributed according to your wishes, reducing the potential for disputes and minimising stress for your loved ones. This is particularly important if you have children, as it allows you to specify guardianship arrangements and financial provisions for their future.
How often should you update your will?
At Scott Bailey, we recommend reviewing your will at least every five years or whenever a major life event occurs, such as:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth of a child or grandchild
- A significant change in financial circumstances
- Death of a named beneficiary or executor
- Changes in inheritance tax laws
For example, if you marry after making a will (and the marriage was not contemplated when it was drafted), the will is automatically revoked, meaning you will need to create a new one. Similarly, after a divorce, it is advisable to update your will to reflect your changed family circumstances.
Seeking professional advice
Inheritance tax rules can change, and a solicitor can advise you on whether legislative updates may impact your estate planning. Once a will is drafted, it is typically not the draftsperson’s responsibility to keep you informed of legal changes, reinforcing the need to seek professional advice periodically.
Making changes to an existing will or creating a new one
If you need to update your will or create a new one, speaking with an experienced legal professional is essential. They can ensure your will is properly drafted, legally sound, and structured to reduce your inheritance tax liability where possible.
At Scott Bailey LLP, our specialist wills, trusts, and probate solicitors are here to help. We understand that discussing your will can involve complex and sensitive decisions, and we provide clear, compassionate guidance to help you and your family plan for the future.
For advice or to arrange an appointment, please get in touch today.
Alternatively, call us on 01590 676933 to speak with one of our expert solicitors.
Updating your will ensures peace of mind, allowing you to live your life knowing your affairs are in order.
