Reviewing your Will may not be at the top of your summer to‑do list, yet it is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your future. As the year reaches its midpoint, summer offers a natural moment to pause, reflect, and consider whether your legal plans still reflect your current circumstances.
Understanding when and why a Will should be reviewed is not always straightforward. Changes in family relationships, financial arrangements, or long‑term priorities can all affect whether your Will continues to work as intended. Without regular attention, even a carefully drafted Will can become outdated, leaving uncertainty at a time when clarity matters most.
Angelika Simpson, Solicitor and Team Leader in our Wills, Trusts and Probate team at Jackson Lees Group, explains why reviewing your Will is essential and how the right legal guidance can help ensure your wishes remain clear, effective, and legally sound across England and Wales.
Why is summer a good time to review your Will and estate plans in England and Wales?
There is no single “right” time to review your Will, although the start of summer naturally lends itself to taking stock. It is often a point in the year when people reflect on what has changed so far and consider their plans for the future.
Over time, a Will that once reflected your wishes can gradually fall out of step with your circumstances. This is not always obvious day-to-day, which is why periodic reviews are so important.
In some cases, a review simply confirms everything remains appropriate. In others, it highlights updates that could significantly improve clarity and avoid complications later on.
What happens if you don’t review your Will regularly and it becomes out of date?
An outdated Will can result in your estate being distributed in a way that no longer reflects your intentions.
Common issues include:
- Executors who are no longer able or willing to act
- Beneficiaries who are no longer part of your life
- Missing provision for new family members
- Financial arrangements that no longer reflect your assets
In more serious situations, an invalid or ineffective Will can lead to your estate being dealt with under the rules of intestacy. This can create unnecessary delay, confusion and stress for those closest to you.
Regular reviews help ensure your Will continues to reflect your wishes and reduces the risk of avoidable complications.
What life changes mean you should review your Will as soon as possible?
Certain life events should always lead to a review of your Will.
Family-related changes are often the most significant, including:
- Marriage or entering into a civil partnership
- Divorce or separation
- The birth of children or grandchildren
- The death of a loved one
Financial changes can be equally important. These may include buying or selling property, receiving an inheritance, growing a business, or building up savings and investments.
Even more subtle changes, such as shifting priorities, evolving relationships or a desire to include charitable gifts, can justify updating your Will. Many people also choose to review their Will every few years as a matter of good financial housekeeping.
How does marriage affect your Will in England and Wales?
This is one of the most important points to understand.
In England and Wales, marriage or entering into a civil partnership usually revokes an existing Will unless it was specifically prepared in contemplation of that marriage. In practical terms, this means a valid Will can become ineffective overnight.
If a new Will is not made, your estate may instead be distributed under the intestacy rules. This can be particularly problematic for blended families, second marriages, or situations involving children from previous relationships.
Divorce does not revoke a Will, although it can affect how certain provisions operate. This distinction can be confusing, which is why tailored legal advice is essential.
Can reviewing your Will help reduce inheritance tax for your family?
For many families, inheritance tax is becoming increasingly relevant.
Rising property values, combined with frozen thresholds, mean more estates may fall within scope. A Will that worked well in the past may no longer provide the most efficient outcome.
A review can help ensure:
- Available allowances are fully utilised.
- Assets pass in a tax-efficient way.
- Gifts are structured appropriately.
- Your estate is preserved as far as possible for your beneficiaries.
In many cases, relatively modest changes can have a meaningful impact.
What is the safest and legally valid way to update or amend your Will?
Once you decide to review your Will, it is important to update it correctly.
Minor amendments can sometimes be made through a codicil. Where more substantial changes are needed, preparing a new Will is usually the clearer and more robust option.
Wills must meet strict legal requirements to be valid, particularly in relation to signing and witnessing. Informal changes or handwritten amendments can lead to disputes or uncertainty later on.
Working with our team ensures your Will is legally effective and drafted in a way that avoids ambiguity.
Find out more about updating your existing Will here.
When should you speak to a solicitor to review your Will?
Many people delay reviewing their Will because they expect the process to be time-consuming or complicated.
In reality, a review is often straightforward and provides valuable reassurance. It is particularly advisable to seek advice if your personal circumstances have changed, your assets have grown, or your family arrangements are more complex than when your Will was first prepared.
Even where no major changes have occurred, a review can confirm everything remains appropriate and working as intended.
Why should you review your Will now to start summer with clarity and peace of mind?
Taking the time to review your Will now can provide lasting peace of mind. It ensures your wishes remain clear, your loved ones are protected, and your estate is managed in line with your intentions.
At Jackson Lees Group, we take a straightforward and supportive approach to Will reviews, helping you understand what (if anything) needs to change and ensuring everything is put in place correctly.
If it has been some time since you last reviewed your Will, or if your circumstances have changed, our team is here to help. A simple conversation now can make a lasting difference for you and your family’s future. Please give us a call, request a callback or make an enquiry to find out how we can support you.