3rd June 2026
Reviewing your Will may not be at the top of your summer to‑do list, but it is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your future. As the season encourages a fresh start, many people find it’s the ideal time to get their affairs in order and enjoy peace of mind for the months ahead.
Understanding when and why a Will should be reviewed can feel daunting. Changes in family circumstances, finances, or personal priorities can all affect whether your current Will still reflects your wishes, yet these issues are easy to overlook without clear guidance.
Susan Hall, Director and Head of the Wills & Probate team at Myers & Co, explains why reviewing your Will this summer is such a valuable opportunity, helping you ensure your arrangements remain clear, up to date, and legally sound.
There is never a perfect time to review your Will, although the start of summer offers a natural opportunity to pause and take stock.
For many people, this time of year brings a chance to reflect on what has changed so far and whether their current arrangements still fit their circumstances. That may relate to family life, property, finances or simply a shift in priorities.
Leaving your Will unchanged for a long period of time can lead to issues that only come to light much later down the line.
A document that once accurately reflected your wishes can become outdated over time, and that can lead to unnecessary uncertainty for those closest to you.
A review does not always mean major changes are needed. In some cases, it simply confirms that everything is still in order. In others, it highlights updates that could make a significant difference in the future.
An out-of-date Will can lead to your estate being handled in a way that no longer reflects your intentions.
For example, you may have:
In more serious cases, an outdated or invalid Will can mean that your estate is dealt with under the rules of intestacy rather than in line with your wishes. That can create delay, confusion and added stress for your loved ones at an already difficult time.
Reviewing your Will on a regular basis helps reduce these risks and keeps your arrangements aligned with your current circumstances.
Some life events should always prompt a review of your Will. Some are obvious, while others are easier to overlook.
Changes in family circumstances are often the most important, including:
Each of these can affect how you want your estate to be managed and who you want to benefit.
Financial changes can be just as significant, such as:
Even changes in your relationships, responsibilities or long-term priorities can justify a review. You may want to support different beneficiaries, include charitable gifts, or reconsider who should act as your executors or guardians.
Many people also choose to review their Will every few years as a matter of good housekeeping, even if no major event has taken place. It is a practical way to stay in control and avoid complications later on.
This is one of the most important points to understand, and it catches many people by surprise.
In England and Wales, getting married or entering into a civil partnership can revoke an existing Will unless that Will was made in contemplation of the marriage. In practical terms, this means a Will you carefully put in place may no longer be valid once the marriage takes place.
If a new Will is not made, your estate may be distributed under the intestacy rules rather than according to your own instructions. This can be especially problematic for those with children from previous relationships, second marriages or more complex family arrangements.
Divorce does not automatically revoke a Will, although it can affect how certain parts of it operate. This distinction can be confusing, which is why timely legal advice is so valuable.
If you are planning to marry, have recently married, or are entering a second marriage, reviewing your Will should be high on your list of priorities.
For many families, inheritance tax is becoming a more relevant issue than it once was.
Rising property values and frozen tax thresholds mean more estates may fall within scope, even where families do not consider themselves particularly wealthy. A Will that was suitable when first prepared may no longer be the most effective way of passing on your estate.
A review can help identify whether your current arrangements are still working in the best possible way. That may include:
This does not always involve complex planning. In many cases, relatively small changes can help preserve more of your estate for the people you want to benefit.
Once you decide to review your Will, it is important to update it properly.
Small changes can sometimes be made by way of a formal amendment known as a codicil. Where more substantial changes are needed, preparing a new Will is often the clearer and safer option. This helps avoid uncertainty and reduces the risk of disagreement about what was intended.
The most important thing is that any changes are made in the right way. A Will must meet strict legal requirements to be valid, including how it is signed and witnessed. Informal amendments or handwritten notes can cause significant problems later on.
Working with a solicitor gives you the reassurance that your Will is clear, up to date and legally effective.
Many people delay speaking to a solicitor because they assume the conversation will be complicated or time-consuming.
In reality, a Will review is often straightforward and can provide valuable reassurance. It is particularly sensible to seek advice if your personal circumstances have changed, your assets have grown, or your family arrangements are more complex than they were when the Will was first prepared.
Even if nothing major has changed, a review can still be worthwhile. It gives you the confidence that your Will continues to reflect your wishes and still works in the way you expect it to.
Taking advice now can help prevent much more difficult issues from arising in the future.
Reviewing your Will is a practical step that can help you feel confident that your affairs are in order. It is an opportunity to make sure your plans still reflect your wishes and that the people closest to you have clarity when it matters most.
If your circumstances have changed, or if it has simply been a while since your Will was last reviewed, our team at Myers & Co can help. We can advise you on whether updates are needed and make sure any changes are completed properly.
A short conversation now can make a lasting difference in the future. Give us a call or make an enquiry to find out how our team can help.
