Update Your Will Week 2026: when should you update your Will?

2nd March 2026

Update Your Will Week runs from 2–8 March 2026, an annual campaign led by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (ALL, formerly Solicitors for the Elderly). The initiative raises awareness of the importance of keeping your Will up to date, particularly as circumstances and wishes evolve over time.

According to new research by ALL, more than three‑quarters (78%) of UK lawyers offering later‑life legal advice have seen an increase in contested estates over the past five years. This trend highlights how crucial it is to ensure that Wills are reviewed regularly and drafted correctly – disputes can cause delays, distress, and significant financial consequences for families.

Why updating your Will matters

Having a Will in place is essential, but reviewing and updating it is just as important. Life moves on, and changes such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, or new financial circumstances can all affect how your estate should be distributed.

We recommend reviewing your Will:

  • at least every five years; and
  • whenever a major life event occurs.

Failing to do so risks your Will becoming outdated and no longer reflecting your wishes. This could lead to assets going to unintended recipients, avoidable Inheritance Tax liabilities, or even family disputes after your death.

A common and costly pitfall

A surprising number of people do not realise that getting married automatically revokes a pre‑existing Will. This can result in an ‘accidental intestacy’, where the estate is distributed according to strict intestacy rules rather than the person’s actual wishes. These rules are inflexible and often lead to outcomes very different from what the deceased intended.

It is also important to note that you cannot amend an existing Will simply by writing on it or attaching notes. Any changes require either a formal codicil or – more commonly – a brand‑new Will.

How Blake Morgan can support you

Having a valid, clearly drafted and up-to-date Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones. At Blake Morgan, our specialist team is highly experienced in preparing Wills that accurately reflect our clients’ wishes and provide peace of mind for the future.

We can advise on:

  • Ensuring your Will is legally robust and up to date
  • Protecting your estate for future generations
  • Minimising exposure to Inheritance Tax
  • Planning for potential care fee considerations
  • Supporting vulnerable beneficiaries or complex family arrangements

If you would like to discuss making or updating your Will, please contact one of our Association of Lifetime Lawyers (ALL) members: Paula Shea, Lisa Davies, Kathryn Woodward, Jonathan Sleep or Sarah Hewitt.

If you need advice on succession and tax issues

Speak to a member of our Private Client team

Arrange a call

Enjoy That? You Might Like These:

newsletters

Private Client Issues – March 2026
5 March
Welcome to this month’s edition of Private Client Issues, Blake Morgan’s monthly round-up of the topics you may find of interest. It features insight and advice on developments affecting private... Read More

articles

“Use it or lose it” by 5 April – Private Client considerations for the end of tax year 2025/26 planning
3 March
What should you be thinking about for the end of the tax year 2025/26? We summarise some key considerations for tax planning below. Read More

articles

Lifetime gifting and good record keeping
9 February
Making financial gifts is one of the best ways to potentially limit your exposure to inheritance tax (‘IHT’). It is growing in popularity as a way to transfer wealth down... Read More
Click here for more Insights