Is your Will up to date? Here’s why it matters

This Update Your Will Week (3 – 9 March 2025), we are joining The Association of Lifetime Lawyers to raise awareness around the importance of keeping Wills up to date.

A Will is not just a legal document – it is your voice, your wishes, and your legacy. Yet many people don’t realise the significance of keeping your Will up to date to ensure this cannot be challenged after you pass away.

Why keeping your Will updated is essential

Your Will ensures that your money, property, and possessions go to the right people upon your death. But when was the last time you checked yours?

Without an up-to-date Will:

1. Your estate could be divided according to the intestacy rules, which may not align with your wishes or the needs of your family
2. Uncertainty could cause stress and legal disputes for your loved ones
3. Your pets, digital assets, and even charitable donations may be overlooked

Think of your Will as a living document. It should evolve as your life does.

When should you update your will?

If you already have a Will, it is generally recommended that you review it, and update it if needed, every five years or when there is a major change in your life that has an impact on you or your loved ones. Changes include:

1. Getting married or entering a civil partnership
2. Getting divorced or dissolving a civil partnership
3. Becoming a parent or grandparent
4. Buying a home or changing your financial situation
5. Losing a loved one
6. Starting a business
7. You or a beneficiary obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate

Need to make or update your Will?

If it’s been a while since you last looked at your Will – or you don’t have one yet – now is the time to act.

At Fraser Dawbarns, our Accredited Lifetime Lawyers offer specialist expertise in later-life legal matters. They provide personalised support with care, empathy, and attention to detail, ensuring your wishes are clearly documented and legally protected.

We aim to make the process of updating your Will simple, stress-free, and tailored to you, so you can plan for the future with confidence. Don’t wait until it’s too late, ensure your future wishes are in place today. If you need to make or update your Will, contact our team for expert advice.

How To Contact Us:

To contact a member of our team, you can fill in our online enquiry form, email info@fraserdawbarns.com, or call your nearest office below. If you’d like to speak to a member of our team at one of our offices across Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, visit our offices page.

Wisbech: 01945 461456

March: 01354 602880

King’s Lynn: 01553 666600

Ely: 01353 383483
Downham Market: 01366 383171

This article aims to supply general information, but it is not intended to constitute advice. Every effort is made to ensure that the law referred to is correct at the date of publication and to avoid any statement which may mislead. However, no duty of care is assumed to any person and no liability is accepted for any omission or inaccuracy. Always seek advice specific to your own circumstances. Fraser Dawbarns LLP is always happy to provide such advice.