Having a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are followed. But simply creating a Will isn’t enough; it’s also important to keep it up-to-date, especially when major life events occur. A R K Lasting Powers & Wills helps families in Stevenage make sure their Wills stay current, giving peace of mind through every stage of life. Here’s a look at when you might want to revisit and update your Will, plus some tips for keeping it in line with your wishes.
Why Updating Your Will Matters
A Will that accurately reflects your life and priorities ensures that your family and loved ones are taken care of as you intended. “Keeping a Will current is just as important as writing it in the first place,” says John Greenall from A R K in Stevenage. “Life can change quickly, and updating your Will is a way of making sure those changes are acknowledged.”
Whether you’ve recently married, had a child, or experienced another significant event, updating your Will is essential to ensure it remains accurate.
Key Life Events to Update Your Will
A R K Lasting Powers & Wills highlights several key life events where updating your Will makes sense:
1. Getting Married or Entering a Civil Partnership
In the UK, marriage or civil partnerships cancel out any existing wills unless they specifically account for the proposed marriage. This means you’ll likely need to rewrite or update your will to include your new spouse. “Marriage changes everything in terms of inheritance,” Karen Greenall explains, “so updating your Will when you marry ensures your spouse is included in the way you want them to be.”
2. Divorce or Separation
Divorce can affect your Will in various ways, especially if your ex-partner was a primary beneficiary or executor. Updating your Will after a divorce or separation helps avoid any confusion and makes sure your estate is left to those you wish to benefit. In Stevenage, A R K Lasting Powers & Wills regularly assists people going through changes in relationships to ensure their plans are clear and current. It is important to note that when you are separated, but not divorced, your estranged spouse is still your next of kin.
3. The Birth or Adoption of Children or Grandchildren
Welcoming a new family member is one of life’s biggest joys. To include children or grandchildren in your estate, it’s essential to adjust your Will. This way, you can make sure they’re provided for and that your assets are distributed as you’d like. “Many people want to leave something behind for future generations,” says Karen Greenall. “Updating your Will after a birth or adoption helps secure their future.”
4. Buying or Selling Property
If you buy or sell significant assets, like a home, it’s wise to update your Will. A R K Lasting Powers & Wills advises families in Stevenage to keep track of major purchases or sales, as these can have a large impact on the value of your estate. Regular updates mean that all assets are included and accurately represented.
5. Receiving an Inheritance
If you come into a substantial inheritance, your financial situation may change, and this can affect your estate plans. Adding any new assets to your Will ensures they’re distributed according to your wishes. “Many people don’t realise that even receiving a new asset could impact their estate plans,” Karen Greenall says. “Updating your Will makes sure everything is taken care of.”
Regular Reviews: Every 3 to 5 Years
Even if none of these events happen, it’s still a good idea to review your Will every few years. Life has a way of surprising us, and it’s easy to forget that a small change now can make a big difference later. At A R K Lasting Powers & Wills in Stevenage, they recommend checking in on your Will every three to five years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes people make when it comes to updating their Wills—and how A R K Lasting Powers & Wills can help you avoid them:
1. Forgetting to Update After Big Life Events
Sometimes people simply forget to update their Will, which can lead to unintended outcomes. Karen Greenall notes, “A lot of people think their Will automatically changes as life changes, but that’s not the case.” It’s important to take time after major events to make sure your Will is up-to-date.
2. Not Including All Assets
It’s common to overlook new assets or forget about minor possessions, but even smaller assets can have significance. A R K Lasting Powers & Wills helps people in Stevenage keep track of all assets, so nothing is left out.
3. Failing to Review Regularly
Reviewing a Will isn’t something you do just once in a lifetime. Regular updates keep your plan current, preventing confusion for your family later on. “Making a habit of reviewing your Will is key to ensuring your wishes are always respected,” Karen advises.
How A R K Lasting Powers & Wills Supports Stevenage Families
Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A R K Lasting Powers & Wills in Stevenage offers guidance every step of the way, from setting up a new Will to updating existing ones. They specialise in making sure that your will reflects your life changes and gives you peace of mind.
John Greenall explains, “We’re here to make the process of updating a Will easy and stress-free for families in Stevenage. No one should have to worry about whether their family will be taken care of. Updating a Will is simply a part of creating peace of mind.”
With A R K’s help, you can feel confident that your Will is in good hands, keeping your family protected no matter what life brings. So whether you’re celebrating a new arrival, buying a home, or just feel it’s time for a review, A R K Lasting Powers & Wills is here to help you every step of the way.
