Advice from Susanne White, an expert Solicitor for Wills

Your Will is one of the most important documents you will ever create. It ensures that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are protected when you are no longer here. Life doesn’t stand still, which is why, as an expert solicitor for Wills, I strongly suggest you should regularly review your Will.

In this blog, I explain why reviewing your Will is essential and when you should consider making updates.

1. Changes in Family Circumstances

Significant family changes such as a marriage/civil partnership, divorce/separation, new children/grandchildren or the death of a family member or friend can have a major impact on your Will.

Similarly, if you have remarried, it is vital to ensure your Will reflects your new relationship. If you were to marry, any existing Will is revoked unless it is made in contemplation of a marriage/civil partnership, even though the beneficiaries may remain the same.

Whilst a divorce does not automatically nullify a Will, any gifts to an ex- spouse or civil partner, along with any appointment as an executor or trustee will be void.

2. Changes in Financial Circumstances

A change in your financial circumstances, whether through an inheritance, the sale of a business, or a reduction in savings, should prompt a review of your Will. As an experienced solicitor for Wills, I understand how important it is to ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes and that any new assets are properly accounted for. I have seen examples where clients in Colchester have gifted properties in their Will, which they no longer own or have made large gifts of money in the form of legacies which fail on death due to a reduction in the wealth of the deceased as a result of care fees or a general rise in living expenses.

For those who are fortunate enough to see their wealth increase, a Will review is still very important, as this may result in an increased IHT liability on death. So do not be afraid to contact an expert solicitor for Wills, like me, for more information on this subject.

3. Changes in Law

Wills and estate planning are areas where the law and tax regulations can change over time. Some of the more controversial changes in respect of IHT legislation include the taxation of unspent pension pots from April 2027 and families from farming backgrounds and businesses valued over £1 million in Colchester and the surrounding areas will also be subject to IHT for the first time.

4. Appointing New Executors or Guardians

As an expert solicitor for Wills, I also advise that you should review the people you originally appointed as executors, trustees and guardians on a regular basis.

Whilst grandparents are often named as guardians, this may no longer be appropriate over time as they get older. Executors and trustees may have died or no longer live locally. I also see many cases where professional executors have been named, such as banks, Will writing companies and some firms of solicitors who can charge up to 3% of the value of the estate for acting. It is also not uncommon to come across Wills where the original solicitor for Wills or accountants have subsequently retired, or worse still, firms of solicitors in Colchester who no longer exist, with no substitute executors named. This can lead to delays and additional stress for your loved ones.

5. Peace of Mind

Life is unpredictable, but knowing your Will is up to date provides you with peace of mind. It’s not just about financial matters; it’s about ensuring your wishes are clear and legally binding. So please get in touch with an expert solicitor for Wills like me for complete clarity.

6. When Should Your Will be Reviewed

As a general rule, I recommend reviewing your Will at least once a year or after a major life event.

As an expert solicitor for Wills, I can provide professional and compassionate guidance to help you write a Will which truly reflects your wishes and ensures it is legally robust. I work with clients across Colchester and the surrounding areas, offering friendly clear advice tailored to individual circumstances. With over 25 years’ Experience as a solicitor for Wills writing Wills and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), I have helped countless families locally navigate the complexities of writing a Will.

Contact me today to arrange a no obligation meeting to discuss your Will.