Updating My Will

Does your Will reflect your current circumstances? If not, then you should consider a Will Review.

When you made the sensible decision to make a Will, you were obviously concerned that you wanted all of your affairs to be in order for when you pass away. Your Will would have reflected your situation at the time and you probably felt you had peace of mind once the Will was signed. However, as time passes, situations change, relationships can alter and financial situations change and what may have been the case when you made your Will could be completely different to how you would want your assets to pass now.

If you answer yes to any of the following, then you should now review your Will.

Since you made your Will:

• Have you married?
• Have you divorced or separated from your partner?
• Have you been widowed?
• Have any of your family or personal relationships changed?
• Have any of your beneficiaries or Executors died or moved away?
• Do you now have children, or more children than you had before?
• Are the young children you may have had now grown up?
• Have any of your adult children married?
• Do you now have grandchildren?
• Have you acquired property abroad, or a further property in this country, for example, a holiday home?
• Have you made a Will in another country to cover assets abroad?
• Have you inherited a legacy that has substantially increased the value of your estate?
• Has your property increased in value?
• Have you started, bought or sold a business?
• Have you sold your property to move into residential care?

These are just a few examples and of course, other changes may have occurred within your own situation that may result in a necessary change to your Will.

We would be happy to give you more detailed advice based on your individual circumstances.  If you have an enquiry about updating your Will, contact us today to find out how we can help.

I think I may need to update my Will—What do I do?

Firstly, we need to ascertain whether your change in circumstances means changes to your Will are necessary.   Once we are aware of the changes required to your Will, we can give you an idea of the costs involved, if an update is necessary.

How do I change my Will?

If you need to change your Will then you will need to make an entirely New Will to make sure that your wishes are made clear. Our information guide, Making a Will details what is included in our standard service. We can also offer a range of additional services, such as Estate Planning and how to reduce Inheritance Tax, the use of Trusts, and claims against your estate, for example, and would be happy to discuss the additional fees for these services during your appointment.

Will I need to see a Solicitor or can I write to you with my changes?

If you need to make a New Will and your instructions are simple then you will be able to meet with one of our Will Writers who will spend time discussing the changes with you and making the New Will within that appointment ready for you to sign. The appointment can be here at our office or if you are unable to come into the office due to a condition or disability then we will be happy to provide a home visit for no additional cost. 

If your Will is more complex or if you require a Trust to be put in place then you will need to meet with either a Senior Will Writer or a Solicitor depending on the advice you require

The addresses of people mentioned in my Will have changed. Do I need to make a new Will?

Not if these are the only changes you need to make. Sometimes, changes are very simple, such as amendments to the addresses of beneficiaries or any other parties named in your Will, for example. In this case, if your Will is held with us, we simply ask you to confirm the changes in writing, sign and date your letter and send it to us so that we can store it with your Will. We make no charge for this service.