So, is now the right time to get your Will written or updated? For most people, the answer is yes—and here’s why.
Why having a Will matters
A Will is a legal document that sets out your wishes for what happens to your money, property, and possessions after you die. It also allows you to:
- Name executors who will carry out your wishes
- Make specific gifts or donations
- Appoint guardians for your children
- Reduce the stress and uncertainty for your loved ones
- Potentially save on Inheritance Tax by discussing tax planning with your legal adviser
Without a Will, your estate will be distributed according to the strict Rules of Intestacy. This might not reflect your wishes and could result in distant relatives inheriting, or worse, disputes among those you leave behind.
Common reasons people delay writing a Will
There are plenty of reasons people delay:
- “I don’t have much to leave behind.”
- “I’m too young to worry about that.”
- “It’s too expensive or complicated.”
- “It’s something I’ll do when I’m older.”
- “I can’t decide who to ask to look after my children.”
The reality is that life is unpredictable. In fact, if you have children, own property, are in a relationship, or simply want a say in what happens to your belongings, you should have one.
Why now might be the perfect time
1. Major life changes
If you’ve recently experienced any of the following, it’s definitely time to write or update your Will:
- Got married or entered a civil partnership (previous Wills are automatically revoked)
- Got divorced or separated
- Had children or grandchildren
- Bought or sold property
- Changed your financial situation
- Lost a loved one who was named in your Will
Your Will should reflect your current life circumstances, not how things were five or ten years ago.
2. You’re unmarried but in a long-term relationship
Under the laws of England and Wales, unmarried partners aren’t automatically entitled to anything if you die without a Will—no matter how long you’ve been together. A Will ensures your partner is taken care of in the way you intend.
3. You’re concerned about family disputes
If you’ve seen or heard of families falling out after a death, you’ll know how stressful this can be. An up-to-date, professionally drafted Will can minimise confusion and reduce the risk of conflict by clearly stating your wishes.
4. You want to reduce Inheritance Tax
Strategic estate planning through your Will can help reduce the Inheritance Tax burden on your loved ones. Leaving gifts to charity or passing on your home to direct descendants can have tax benefits—but these need to be clearly stated.
5. Peace of mind
One of the most valuable reasons to write or update your Will is peace of mind. Knowing that your affairs are in order can be incredibly reassuring—for you and for your family.
What happens if you don’t have a Will?
Without a valid Will, your estate will be divided under the Rules of Intestacy. These rules:
- Do not recognise unmarried partners!
- Do not recognise stepchildren
- Treat fully biological relatives differently to half-blood relatives
- Do not allow friends or charities to inherit
- Could result in your estate going to relatives you hardly know
- Could leave your children’s inheritance at risk if your surviving spouse remarries
It’s not just about money—it’s about ensuring your loved ones are looked after the way you want them to be.
Updating your Will: When and why
Writing your Will is not a one-and-done task. You should review your Will at least every five years, or when:
- There’s a major life event (marriage, divorce, children, death)
- Your financial situation changes significantly
- You move house or buy new property
- Your chosen executors or beneficiaries change
Even small life changes can have big legal implications. Regular reviews ensure your Will always reflects your current wishes.
How to get started
You have a few options when it comes to making or updating your Will:
1. Use a solicitor
This is the most secure option, especially if your situation is complex (blended families, foreign assets, business ownership). A solicitor can offer expert legal advice and ensure your Will is valid and properly drafted. They can listen to your concerns and help you answer some of those questions that have been holding you back.
2. Online Will services
There are many reputable online platforms where you can draft a simple Will. These are suitable for straightforward situations and can be more affordable, but be cautious—if done incorrectly, your Will may be invalid or open to challenge.
3. DIY Wills
It’s possible to write your own Will, but it’s risky. Unless you fully understand the legal requirements, you might accidentally create ambiguity or fail to meet formalities—making your Will unenforceable.
Whichever route you choose, make sure your Will is signed, witnessed correctly, and safely stored.
Top tips when making or updating a Will
- Choose your executors wisely – They’ll be responsible for carrying out your wishes when you die.
- Be clear and specific – Avoid vague language or uncertainty that can be misinterpreted or invalidate gifts altogether.
- Discuss your plans – Let your loved ones know your wishes to reduce surprises later.
- Store it safely – Keep your Will in a secure place and let someone know where it is.
- Don’t forget digital assets – Think about your online accounts, photos, and digital property.
- Choose the right witnesses – Make sure you have witnesses that don’t invalidate the gifts ion your Will or make it invalid altogether.
Don’t leave it to chance
Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do for your family. It’s not just about money—it’s about clarity, comfort, and control. Whether you’ve never made a Will or haven’t looked at yours in years, there’s no better time than now to take action.
Life doesn’t wait, and neither should you.
At Smith & Co, we have a team of experienced, knowledgeable and friendly solicitors who on hand to guide you through the process of writing your Will.
We believe in delivering excellent client care and full transparency when it comes to pricing. We provide a fixed fee quote for our Will services and a client care letter that itemises all costs and an estimated timeline. We even offer free Will reviews for current Wills.
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), and have outstanding reviews on Review Solicitors:
488 Reviews of Smith & Co Solicitors rated 4.9/5 in Ipswich | ReviewSolicitors
Call 01473 226231 for more information or for a quote.
