Have you been meaning to update your Will? You’re not alone. Life has a habit of changing. We get married, welcome children and grandchildren, move home, retire or simply find ourselves in a very different place from when we first made our Will.
Many people believe that once a Will has been written, the job is done. In reality, your Estate Plan should evolve as your life does. If any of these nine situations sound familiar, this summer could be the perfect time to review your arrangements and update your Will.
1. You’ve got married or entered a Civil Partnership
Dudley Barnes , who runs our Yeovil office, regularly reminds clients that newly married couples should review their Estate Planning straight away. “If you have a Will and you get married, that Will is revoked,” he says. “It’s no longer valid so newlyweds need to update their Wills to include each other.”
Marriage is one of the biggest legal changes in your life. Your Will should change accordingly.
2. You’ve separated, divorced or started a new relationship
If your marriage or partnership has ended, your current Will may no longer reflect your wishes.
Equally, if you’ve entered a new relationship or have a blended family, careful Estate Planning becomes even more important.
Our Plymouth based Partner, Stephanie Bennett explains: “Any major life change is a good time to review your Will. For example, getting married, having children, buying property, going through a divorce or receiving an inheritance.”
3. You have children or grandchildren
If you have young children, your Will is about much more than deciding who inherits your Estate. It’s your opportunity to appoint legal guardians, ensuring the people you trust most will care for your children should that ever become necessary.
As a mother of two girls, Wendy Mason-Tucker, our Partner in Crediton, understands how important these conversations can be. “Talking about Guardianship isn’t easy, but knowing you’ve made those decisions for your kids brings enormous peace of mind. My role is to make those conversations feel calm, supportive and much less overwhelming.”
4. You’ve bought a property or your finances have changed
Buying your first home, moving house, receiving an inheritance or building up savings can all affect your Estate Plan. It’s also worth checking whether you own your property as Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common, as this can significantly affect what happens to your share of the property when you die.
If your financial circumstances have changed, now is a good time to update your Will. As our Torbay Partner, Carley Lamont says, “Whether you’re managing family responsibilities, preparing for retirement, or simply want to get your affairs in order, we offer tailored support that fits around your life, with appointments available in person or online by video conferencing.”
Update your Will with the Simon Hall Team, including from left to right: Simon Hall, Carley Lamont, Meah Howlett, Wendy Mason-Tucker, Linda Hall, Stephanie Bennett, Rachel Robb and Dudley Barnes.
5. You don’t have a Lasting Power of Attorney
Many people believe Estate Planning begins and ends with a Will. In reality, protecting yourself during your lifetime is equally important.
Rachel Robb, our Partner in Taunton, explains it perfectly: “A Will takes care of us after we pass, a Lasting Power of Attorney protects us while we’re still alive.”
Without having Power of Attorney, even close family members may not automatically be able to make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
6. Your pets are part of your family
Pets rely on us completely, yet many owners never consider who would care for them if something unexpected happened.
Our West Cornwall Partner, Amanda Brown, shares her home with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Vader and cats Yoda and Kitty Chaos. She says: “When you have pets, you want to make sure they go to the right place. I’d always assumed my parents or friends would take mine, but nothing was actually written down. It’s definitely something to think about.”
A properly prepared Will can name a trusted guardian and even provide financial support for your pet’s future care. Also read: 
Estate planning for pet owners: How to protect your furry friends
7. Your Will hasn’t been reviewed for several years
Even if nothing dramatic has happened, life rarely stands still. Children become adults. Families grow. Tax rules change. Relationships evolve.
“Life changes all the time, and you can always review or update your Will as circumstances change,” says Meah Howlett, our Partner in East Cornwall. “The important thing is not to keep putting it off.”
In fact, the UK Government recommends reviewing your Will every five years, or sooner if your circumstances change. Regular reviews help ensure your wishes continue to reflect your current situation.
8. You’re relying on an old or homemade Will
Many people assume that because they have a Will, they’re fully protected. Unfortunately that isn’t always true.
Rachel recalls helping a family where a homemade Will failed because it hadn’t been witnessed correctly. “The family were devastated, the Estate had to be distributed under the rules of intestacy, which didn’t reflect what the deceased had intended.”
Professional guidance helps ensure your wishes can actually be carried out.
9. You simply want peace of mind
Perhaps nothing major has changed. But you keep meaning to “get round to it.” That’s often the biggest sign of all.
Linda Hall believes Estate Planning isn’t really about paperwork. It’s about removing uncertainty. “For me, it’s all about having peace of mind,” she says.
And as Simon Hall often asks clients: “What do you want to achieve by making a Will today?” It’s a simple question that starts an important conversation.
At Simon Hall Will Writing Services, we believe Estate Planning is about protecting the people you love and giving your family confidence for the future.
As our team continues to grow across Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall, we’re here to help you review your existing arrangements, answer your questions and make sure your Will still reflects your wishes.
Ready to update your Will?
If it’s been several years since you reviewed your Will, or your circumstances have changed, now is the perfect opportunity to arrange a friendly, no obligation consultation.
Whether you’ve married, moved home, become a parent, welcomed grandchildren or simply want peace of mind, our experienced team can help you update your Will and make sure your Estate Plan continues to protect the people who matter most.
Al Gibson
Al Gibson is a business journalist based in Exeter. He started Countdown Creative in 2020 offering copywriting services to local companies, charities and organisations.