Update Your Will Week 2026

Monday 2 March 2026 marked the start of 'Update Your Will Week' - an annual awareness campaign led by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers. The initiative aims to remind everyone of the importance of creating, or updating their Will.

For many in the UK, making a Will often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. Yet it may just be one of the most important documents you will prepare in your life. It ensures your wishes are followed, provides clarity for your loved ones and can help prevent unnecessary stress at an already difficult time.

Despite this, writing a Will is frequently put off. Many people believe it is complicated, only necessary later in life or something that is relevant only to those with substantial wealth. In reality, a Will is important for adults of all ages and circumstances.

This Update Your Will Week, our Wills and Estates team is helping to raise awareness by addressing some of the most common myths surrounding Wills, and highlighting why keeping yours up to date matters.

“I don’t need a Will; I don’t have any assets.”

“This is not quite true.

Dying without a Will can leave your family with extra admin, delays, and decisions at an already difficult time.

Creating a Will allows you to outline your funeral wishes, appoint trusted individuals to manage your affairs, ensure your belongings are distributed to the intended beneficiaries, and appoint guardians for your children.

Whether you have a lot, or a little, a carefully crafted Will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, giving you peace of mind that everything is arranged exactly as you intended.”

Robert Ashworth, Director and Head of Wills and Estates.

“Once I write a Will, it cannot be changed.”

“You can make changes to your Will at any time, as long as you have the mental capacity to do so. If your circumstances have shifted, it’s important that your Will reflects your current wishes.

Not having an up to date Will can cause issues over time. Events such as relationship changes, new family members, buying or selling property, or changes in the way your assets are held, can all affect how your Will should be structured.

Regularly reviewing your Will ensures it continues to protect your loved ones and avoids confusion or unintended consequences later on.”

Fiona Ashworth, Director and Wills and Estates Solicitor.

“I can just write my own Will.”

“While you can technically write a Will yourself, we would not advise doing so.

A “Do it yourself” Will carries significant risks if anything is completed incorrectly - from missing legal clauses to unclear wording or failing to plan for more complex circumstances. Often, a DIY Will won't even be valid at all as it may not comply with legal requirements.

While it may seem quicker and cheaper to do it yourself, even small mistakes can have serious consequences. To make matters worse, errors tend to come to light after someone has passed away, leaving loved ones facing unnecessary stress, delays, and costly complications.”

Ann Coutts, Senior Associate Wills and Estates Solicitor.

“I have a partner so I don’t need a Will.”

“Without a Will, an unmarried partner has no automatic rights to your estate, which could leave them in real financial difficulty, especially if you die unexpectedly.

It also allows you to appoint them as an executor, name a legal guardian for your children, and set out your funeral wishes.

Without a Will, everything is distributed according to intestacy rules - which may be far from what you’d want in the end.”

Georgia Bolton, Associate Wills and Estates Solicitor.

“I’m only young, I don’t need a Will.”

“For many young people, death seems like a long way off, so making a Will rarely makes it to the top of their to‑do list.

Sadly unexpected losses happen, and without a Will, financial and practical problems can arise for the people left behind.

Everyone should have a Will. If you own a car, have savings, or personal items - having your wishes written down ensures they end up exactly where you want them.”

Emma Cherry, Court of Protection Assistant.