Why January is the Perfect Time to Review Your Will

January has a particular rhythm to it. After the intensity of December — the family gatherings, the financial pressures, the emotional highs and lows — the New Year often brings a quieter moment to pause and take stock. Many people use this time to organise their homes, set goals, or make long‑delayed decisions. It’s also one of the most sensible times to review your Will.

A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. It helps to ensures that your wishes are respected, your loved ones are protected, and your estate is handled in the way you want it to be. But it is not a document that should be written once and forgotten. Life changes, relationships evolve, and your financial circumstances may shift over time. Reviewing your Will regularly is essential — and the New Year provides the perfect opportunity to do so.

Life Moves Quickly — Your Will Should Reflect That
A lot can happen in twelve months. Certain life events, such as marriage or divorce, can have automatic legal effects on an existing Will, which is why timely review is so important. Even if the year felt relatively steady, you may still have experienced changes that affect how your estate should be managed. Common triggers for updating a Will include:

• Buying or selling a property

• Entering a new relationship or ending one

• Marriage or divorce

• The birth or adoption of children or grandchildren

• A change in financial circumstances

• Starting, restructuring, or closing a business

• A bereavement that affects your beneficiaries or executors

• Moving home or relocating to a different part of the country

Any of these events can alter your priorities or create new responsibilities. A Will that once felt perfectly adequate may no longer reflect your current situation. January is a natural moment to look back over the previous year and consider whether anything has changed that should be reflected in your Will.

A Fresh Start for Your Peace of Mind
Many people tell us that updating their Will is something they “keep meaning to do”. It’s understandable — life is busy, and tasks that don’t feel urgent often slip down the list. But the New Year offers a rare window of clarity. Before the pace of work and family life picks up again, there is a chance to deal with important matters that bring long‑term reassurance.

Reviewing your Will now can:

• Prevent confusion or disputes later

• Ensure your executors are still the right people to manage your estate

• Confirm guardianship arrangements for children

• Reflect new assets or remove outdated ones

• Make sure your wishes are legally sound and clearly expressed

• Reduce the administrative burden on your loved ones in the future

It is a small investment of time that can make a significant difference to the people you care about.

How Often Should You Review Your Will?
As a general guideline, it is wise to review your Will every three to five years, even if nothing major has changed. Laws evolve, family dynamics shift, and your financial position may look different from when you first drafted the document. A brief review can highlight areas that may benefit from clarification or updating.

However, if you experience a major life event — such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the purchase of a new home — you should review your Will as soon as possible. These events can have legal implications that affect how your estate is distributed.

Why January Works So Well
January is a month associated with fresh starts, organisation, and planning. Many people are already doing ‘life-admin’; reviewing their finances, setting goals, or tackling long‑delayed tasks. Adding a Will review to that list fits naturally into the mindset of the season.

What a Will Review Involves
A Will review does not necessarily mean rewriting the entire document. In many cases, only small adjustments are needed. During a review, we will:

• Discuss any changes in your personal or financial circumstances

• Check whether your executors and guardians are still appropriate

• Ensure your beneficiaries are correctly named and up to date

• Review any specific gifts or legacies

• Consider whether tax planning opportunities should be updated

• Confirm that your Will still reflects your wishes clearly and legally

If your existing Will is still suitable, we will tell you so. If changes are needed, we will explain your options in plain language and help you decide the best way forward.

A Thoughtful Start to the Year
Updating your Will is one of the most responsible and caring steps you can take for your family or other intended beneficiaries. It ensures that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones are protected from unnecessary stress at an already difficult time. Starting the year with your affairs in order can bring a sense of calm and confidence that lasts long beyond January.

If you’re unsure whether your Will still reflects your wishes, a short review can often provide clarity and reassurance. If you’d like to talk it through, our team would be happy to help. As a local firm, we regularly help individuals and families review their Wills as their circumstances change.

Our team offers clear, supportive guidance and a straightforward process designed to give you peace of mind for the year ahead. Call us on 01892 731082 or send us a message by clicking here.

Common Questions About Reviewing Your Will

Do I need a new Will or just an update?
Not always. In many cases, small changes can be made to an existing Will rather than starting again. This depends on what has changed in your circumstances and how your current Will is written. We can review your Will and advise whether a simple update is sufficient or whether a new Will would be more appropriate.

How often should I review my Will?
As a general rule, it’s sensible to review your Will every three to five years, even if nothing significant has changed. You should also review it sooner if you experience a major life event, such as marriage, divorce, buying a property, or having children.

Is my Will still valid if nothing has changed? Your Will may still be legally valid, but that doesn’t always mean it’s still suitable. Laws can change over time, and your wishes or family dynamics may not be exactly the same as when the Will was written. A brief review can provide reassurance that everything is still in order.

What happens if I don’t update my Will?
An out-of-date Will may not reflect your current wishes and could lead to confusion, delays, or disputes after your death. In some cases, parts of your estate may not be dealt with as you intended, or loved ones may face unnecessary stress at a difficult time.

Does marriage or divorce affect my Will?
Yes. Marriage can revoke an existing Will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage. Divorce does not revoke a Will entirely, but it can affect how gifts to a former spouse are treated. If your relationship status has changed, it’s important to review your Will as soon as possible.

How long does a Will review take?
A Will review is usually straightforward and often quicker than people expect. Much depends on how complex your estate is and what changes are needed. In many cases, an initial review can be completed in a single meeting.

Do I need to bring anything with me to a Will review?
It’s helpful to bring a copy of your existing Will, along with details of any major changes in your circumstances, such as property ownership, family changes, or new assets. Your solicitor will guide you on anything else that may be needed.

Can I review my Will even if it was written by another firm?
Yes. You can ask a solicitor to review your Will regardless of who originally drafted it. A fresh review can help ensure it still reflects your wishes and complies with current legal requirements.
Please note, however, that we do not draft codicils and any updates to your existing Will shall need to be made via a new Will.