This week is ‘Update Your Will Week’ (4th–10th March), an annual campaign hosted by The Association of Lifetime Lawyers which aims to raise awareness around the risks of not having an up to date Will and encourages people to update their Will to ensure their wishes are carried out when they die.

Why is it important to have an up to date Will?

Having an up to date, well-drafted Will is crucial to ensure your wishes are carried out in the way you would like when you die. Knowing you have chosen what you want to happen can also help ease distress for loved ones left behind and minimise potential disputes. If you die without a Will, any assets that belonged to you must be distributed according to the strict rules of intestacy–which may not be how you expect or would want your estate to be shared. It is never too early to make your Will, as long as you are over the age of 18 years old.

How often should I update my Will?

We recommend that wills are reviewed and updated every five years, or when a major change occurs that impacts you or your loved ones. For example, a marriage, divorce, a new birth, or a death in your family.

What should I do if I want to make changes to an existing Will or create a new Will?

It is important to speak to an experienced legal professional who can advise on your unique, individual circumstances and give specialist, tailored support and advice.

At KBL, we have a highly experienced private client team specialising in the intricacies of Wills, Trusts & Probate. Contact us today on 01204 527777 (Bolton) or 01254 268790 (Blackburn) or at enquiries@kbl.co.uk.

For further information on the importance of professionally drafted Wills, check out our earlier blog post –Safeguarding Your Legacy: The Crucial Role of Estate Planning and Professionally Drafted Wills.