Swindon Wills Solicitor, Megan Phillips considers come common questions about reviewing Wills.
How often should I review my Will?
We are often asked by clients how often they should review their Will. Whilst we try to draft Wills that are as ‘future-proof’ as possible, we generally suggest at least reading through your Will every five years or so. Hopefully, nothing will need to be changed and it can be put back in the drawer for another five years. However, there are some significant life events which should trigger a more detailed review of your Will.
A new family member
Do you have a new child or grandchild? Depending on the wording of your Will they may, or may not, be automatically included as a beneficiary.
Parents can also appoint Guardians for the children in a Will to ensure that they are cared for in the event that their parents die whilst they are minors. It is far easier and less expensive to appoint them in your Will than to leave it to the Court should you die.
Following a death
If a beneficiary has died before you it is essential to review your Will to state who should now receive the inheritance. Equally, if one of your executors has died, you may need to appoint someone else in their place.
Marriage/Divorce
Marriage automatically revokes a Will, unless that Will was made in contemplation of marriage. If you do not make a new Will when you marry, you risk dying intestate and your wishes not being enacted.
When going through a divorce, Wills are often forgotten. A divorce does not revoke a Will, but a former spouse is automatically written out. Your Will should still be reviewed to ensure the substitutional provisions accurately reflect your wishes. Further, divorce proceedings can take months, or even years. Whilst you are still married, albeit separated, your spouse will still benefit from your estate if you die before the divorce is finalised. We would therefore recommend changing your Will as soon as possible.
Moving House
When you buy a new house it is important to review your Will. There are various options available to you when considering how to jointly own a property, and provision can be made in a Will to reduce exposure to care home fees and inheritance tax.
Financial Change
As the value of your estate changes, you should review your Will and seek advice on inheritance tax planning. This is particularly important if you have received a large inheritance that is not necessarily needed – perhaps you would prefer to pass it immediately to your children. This can benefit them immediately, as well as your own estate in due course with a saving of Inheritance Tax.
Contact
By reviewing your Will regularly you can be certain that your wishes will be carried out after your death. To discuss reviewing your Will, please contact Megan Phillips on 01793 615011 or email her at megan.phillips@blbsolicitors.co.uk