Getting Your Affairs in Order: Why Now is the Time to Review Your Will

Life rarely stands still. Families grow, relationships change, finances evolve, and new opportunities arise. Yet one task that many people put off is reviewing or updating their Will.

Deborah Flynn, Director & Head of Wills, Probate & Inheritance at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, explains why regularly reviewing your Will is just as important as making one in the first place.

While making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones, it shouldn’t be viewed as a “one and done” exercise. Regular reviews can ensure your wishes remain up to date and that your estate is passed on in the way you intend.

Why Having an Up-to-Date Will Matters

A Will gives you control over what happens to your estate after your death. It allows you to:

• Decide who will inherit your assets
• Appoint guardians for children under 18
• Choose trusted executors to manage your estate
• Help minimise the risk of family disputes
• Ensure your wishes are clearly documented

Without a valid Will, the law determines how your estate is distributed, which may not reflect your personal wishes or family circumstances.

When Should You Review Your Will?

Even if you already have a Will in place, it may be time for a review if you have experienced any significant life changes, including:

• Marriage or entering into a civil partnership
• Divorce or separation
• The birth of children or grandchildren
• Purchasing or selling property
• Changes to your financial circumstances
• The death of a beneficiary, executor or guardian
• Changes to inheritance tax legislation

As a general rule, we recommend reviewing your Will every three to five years, even if your circumstances have not changed significantly.

More Than Just a Will

Planning for the future often involves more than simply preparing a Will.

Many people also choose to put in place:

Lasting Powers of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so yourself.

There are two types:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA
• Health and Welfare LPA

Having an LPA in place can provide valuable peace of mind for you and your family.

Estate and Inheritance Planning

Effective estate planning can help protect family assets, provide for future generations, and ensure your affairs are structured as efficiently as possible.

Seeking advice early can often help families avoid complications later.

Starting the Conversation

We understand that discussing Wills, inheritance and future planning can sometimes feel daunting. However, putting plans in place now can provide certainty and reassurance for those closest to you.

Whether you need to make your first Will, update an existing one, or require advice on inheritance and estate planning, taking action today can make all the difference tomorrow.

How Cartmell Shepherd Can Help

At Cartmell Shepherd, our Wills, Probate and Inheritance team is one of the largest specialist private client teams in the North, providing trusted advice to individuals and families across Cumbria, Northumberland and beyond.

Our experienced solicitors offer clear, practical guidance on:

• Wills and estate planning
• Probate and estate administration
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Trusts
• Inheritance tax planning
• Court of Protection matters

We take the time to understand your circumstances and provide advice tailored to your needs, helping you plan with confidence and protect what matters most.

Take the First Step

If it has been several years since you reviewed your Will – or if you have never made one – now could be the ideal time to get your affairs in order.

Contact our Wills, Probate and Inheritance team today to arrange an appointment and discuss how we can help you and your family plan for the future.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors – Trusted advice, today and for the future.