15th May 2025
Your Will is more than a legal document—it’s a safeguard for your loved ones and a way to make sure your wishes are honoured. But life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your Will.
Sue Hall, Director and Head of Wills and Probate, explains why keeping your Will up to date is one of the most important things you can do for your future peace of mind.
Getting married or entering a civil partnership? In the UK, that can automatically cancel your existing Will, unless it was written with the marriage in mind.
Without an update, your estate could be divided according to default rules, not your personal wishes. That could mean loved ones being left out unintentionally.
While divorce doesn’t void your Will, it does affect how it’s interpreted.
If your ex-partner is still named in your Will, it could lead to confusion or unintended outcomes. Revisiting your Will ensures it reflects your current relationships and intentions both clearly and legally.
Welcoming a child, grandchild, or stepchild into your life is a joyful milestone and a clear signal that your Will may need updating. It’s your opportunity to make sure everyone you care about is recognised and provided for the way you intend.
If someone named in your Will, whether a beneficiary or an executor, passes away, it’s essential to revise your Will.
You may need to appoint someone new or rethink how your estate is distributed.
Buying a new home, selling a property, or acquiring valuable assets can all affect your estate.
If your Will doesn’t reflect your current holdings, it may not distribute your assets the way you intend.
Whether you’ve received an inheritance, launched a business, or experienced a shift in your financial situation, your Will should reflect your current reality.
Keeping it updated ensures your estate plan aligns with your goals.
Tax rules and inheritance laws change over time. Regular reviews with a legal expert can help you stay compliant and may even reduce the tax burden on your estate.
This is especially important if you’re in a long-term relationship but not married; your partner won’t automatically inherit unless they’re named in your Will.
Sometimes, the best reason to update your Will is simply the passage of time.
If it’s been five years or more since your last review, it’s worth taking another look. Your priorities may have shifted in ways you haven’t even noticed.
Your Will should evolve with your life. At Myers & Co, our Wills, Trusts and Probate team is here to help you keep your Will current, clear, and legally sound. Whether you’ve experienced a major life change or just want to be proactive, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
For further information please contact, Sue Hall, Director and Head of Wills and Probate at Myers & Co, on 01782 577000 or email sue.hall@myerssolicitors.co.uk. Myers & Co has offices in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
