Life Changes That Mean It’s Time to Update Your Will

Life’s milestones often require updates to your estate planning. Here are a few key events that should prompt a review of your Will to ensure it aligns with your current circumstances.

Marriage or Civil Partnership

Getting married or entering a civil partnership is a significant life change, but it also has legal consequences for your Will. In England and Wales, marriage or civil partnership automatically invalidates any prior Wills, unless provisions were made ahead of time. If you don’t update your Will after such a change, your estate will be distributed according to intestacy rules, which could leave your spouse or civil partner without the inheritance you intended for them.

Welcoming a New Child in Your Family

The arrival of a new child in your family is an important event that should prompt a review of your Will. Whether it’s your own child or a relative’s, you’ll want to ensure they are financially supported and cared for if something happens to you. By appointing a guardian in your Will, you can choose someone you trust to raise the child, if they are under your care or legal responsibility. You can also set up financial provisions to secure their future, covering living expenses, education, and other needs.

Purchasing Property

Purchasing property is a significant change, and it can affect both the value of your estate and your inheritance tax considerations. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving to a new home, it’s important to review your Will to reflect this change. You should also consider how the property is owned—whether solely or jointly—and update your Will to align with these ownership arrangements.

Tailored Support

Each of these events can impact your estate plan in different ways. Our friendly team of experts is here to help you navigate these changes and tailor your Will to fit your needs.

Don’t wait for the unexpected—ensure your estate planning is up to date to protect your loved ones and your assets.