Why Making a Will Is Not Just for Later Life
From the Wills and Probate Team at Phillips Solicitors
Many people think of making a Will as something that can wait until later life. A Will is important for anyone who owns property, has savings, has children, runs a business, or simply wants a say in what happens to their estate after their death.
A valid Will allows you to decide who should inherit your assets, who should administer your estate and, where appropriate, who you would like to appoint as guardian for your children. It can help provide certainty for your loved ones and reduce the risk of unnecessary complications at an already difficult time.
Why People Delay Making a Will
It is common for people to postpone making a Will because it feels uncomfortable, unnecessary, or something that can be dealt with later.
Many people assume that their family will automatically inherit everything or that informal conversations about their wishes will be enough. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If there is no valid Will, the estate will usually be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect the deceased’s wishes.
A Will also does much more than determine who inherits your assets. It can include arrangements for specific gifts, appoint Executors, record funeral wishes, and help ensure that your affairs are dealt with in the way you intend.
Life Events That Should Prompt Action
Certain life events should prompt you to make or review your Will, including:
- Buying your first home.
- Getting married or entering a civil partnership.
- Separation or divorce.
- Having children or grandchildren.
- Receiving an inheritance.
- Starting or expanding a business.
- Significant changes to your finances or personal circumstances.
Marriage or civil partnership will normally revoke an existing Will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage or civil partnership, making a review especially important.
Even where your circumstances have not changed significantly, we and the Government recommend reviewing your Will every five years.
Practical Points to Consider
When preparing a Will, you should consider:
- Who should benefit from your estate.
- Whether there are specific gifts you would like to leave.
- Who should act as your Executors.
- Whether any beneficiaries may require additional protection or support.
- Who should care for your children if appropriate.
- Where the original Will will be stored.
It is also important to ensure that your Executors know where the original document is kept, as the original Will is usually needed when administering an estate.
When Professional Advice May Help
Professional advice can be particularly valuable where:
- You own property.
- You have children or dependants.
- You have a blended family.
- You wish to leave specific gifts.
- You are concerned about potential disputes.
- You want reassurance that your Will has been prepared and executed correctly.
Every family situation is different, and tailored advice can help ensure your Will accurately reflects your wishes while avoiding unintended consequences.
How Phillips Solicitors Can Help
Our Wills & Probate team provides clear, practical advice to help you put the right arrangements in place.
We can:
- Prepare new Wills.
- Review and update existing Wills.
- Advise on Executors and guardianship provisions.
- Assist with Lasting Powers of Attorney.
- Advise on Probate and estate administration matters.
We aim to make the process straightforward, understandable, and tailored to your individual circumstances.
Contact Us
If you would like advice about making or updating a Will, contact our Wills & Probate team to arrange an appointment.
Making a Will is one of the simplest ways to protect the people who matter most to you.
You can contact us online or call 01623 658556 (option 4).
Useful links
- GOV.UK – Making and Updating a Will: Official government guidance on making a valid Will and reviewing it when circumstances change.
- STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners): Independent information about Wills, estate planning, and inheritance matters.
- The Law Society: Information about obtaining legal advice and choosing a solicitor.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice on any individual case. The correct advice will depend on the facts, documents, family circumstances, and capacity position.