Write or Review Your Will This Year…

1 January, 2026 3 minutes reading time

The New Year is a great time for renewal and fresh starts. It’s a perfect moment to set new resolutions and organise our lives. While many focus on goals like fitness or saving money, one genuinely meaningful resolution is to consider your family’s future—review or create your Will.

Don’t delay; acting now can bring peace of mind and ensure your wishes are honoured.

Have You Made a Will?

If the answer is no, you’re not alone. Many put off making a Will because they believe their assets are simple, their family already knows their wishes, or that their partner will automatically inherit everything. But remember, without a legally valid Will, your estate is divided according to the rules of intestacy.

It’s important to understand that it’s the law, not you, that determines who inherits your property. This process can sometimes be lengthy and complicated for your loved ones. Plus, when children are involved, you won’t be able to appoint guardians for your children formally. Creating a Will allows you to state your wishes clearly.

When Should You Review an Existing Will?

Having a Will isn’t a “set it and forget it” document. Life changes quickly, so it’s wise to review your Will every 3 to 5 years or after significant life events.

Key moments to revisit include:

1. Marriage, remarriage, or Civil Partnership: Marriage revokes previous Wills.
2. Dissolution or Divorce: Usually doesn’t cancel a Will but affects inheritance.
3. Birth of Children or Grandchildren: Update beneficiaries or guardians.
4. Death of a Beneficiary or Executor: Select replacements.
5. Significant asset changes: Buying or selling property, or receiving an inheritance, require updates.

Regular reviews ensure your Will reflects your current wishes.

Risks of DIY Wills

While DIY wills are pretty popular because they are easy to access and inexpensive—sometimes costing less than £10—it’s important to remember that they can also carry risks. Even small mistakes in signing, witnessing, or phrasing the Will can render it invalid, potentially causing problems for your loved ones later.

DIY wills may not address complex family situations, tax issues, or unexpected events like a beneficiary passing away before you. These problems can result in legal disputes and your estate being distributed according to strict laws rather than your true wishes.

Ultimately, the money saved upfront often ends up costing much more to fix or contest a flawed DIY will after you’re gone, making professional advice a sensible investment.

Our Advice

Make this the year you take control of your legacy. Creating a Will is more than just dividing assets; it’s about bringing security and peace of mind to everyone you care about. We understand that drawing up a Will might seem a bit daunting or sad at first, but once it’s done, you’ll feel so relieved knowing your wishes are in place and you’ve chosen someone you trust as your executor.

Don’t delay – contact us today for an instant quote and start protecting your family’s future. We’re here to help!

Please note that all views, comments or opinions expressed are for information only and do not constitute and should not be interpreted as being comprehensive or as giving legal advice. No one should seek to rely or act upon, or refrain from acting upon, the views, comments or opinions expressed herein without first obtaining specialist, professional or independent advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Curtis Parkinson cannot be held liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies.

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