A Fresh Start for the New Year: Why Now Is the Right Time to Make or Update Your Will

The start of a new year often brings a renewed focus on getting things in order. It’s a time when many people reflect on what matters most to them whilst making plans for their future and thinking about putting long-delayed tasks behind them. One thing that frequently sits on that list, but rarely makes it to the top, is making or updating a Will.

At Marsons Solicitors, we regularly speak to clients who know they should have a Will in place but haven’t quite found the right moment to start. February, after the initial rush of the New Year, is often when good intentions turn into action which makes it an ideal time to take a fresh look at your plans and ensure your wishes are properly reflected in a valid Will.

Why Having a Will Matters

A Will gives you control over what happens to your estate after you die. It allows you to decide who should inherit your assets, who will deal with your affairs, and how your loved ones are provided for. Without a valid Will in place, your estate will be distributed according to strict legal rules, known as the intestacy rules, regardless of what you may have intended.

Many people are surprised to learn that these rules do not automatically reflect modern family life. Unmarried partners have no automatic entitlement, blended families can be left in difficult positions, and assets may pass in ways that cause unnecessary stress or financial hardship for those left behind.

Why an Outdated Will Can Be Just as Risky

Even if you already have a Will, it may no longer reflect your current circumstances. Changes such as getting married or divorced, buying property, having children or grandchildren, or losing a loved one can all have a significant impact on how your estate should be dealt with.

In some cases, a Will may even become invalid. For example, marriage generally revokes an existing Will unless the wording of it makes clear that it was made in contemplation of that marriage. Reviewing your Will regularly helps ensure it continues to do what you expect it to do and avoids unintended consequences.

A Fresh Start for the Year Ahead

Putting a Will in place is not just about planning for the distant future. It’s about peace of mind now and knowing that your affairs are in order and that your family won’t be left dealing with uncertainty at a difficult time.

To help people take that first step, Marsons Solicitors has created the Fresh Start Wills Guide. The guide is designed to answer common questions, address common misconceptions, and explain in plain English why having a Will matters and what to think about before you get started. Whether you are making your first Will or reviewing an existing one, our guide provides a clear, practical starting point.

Taking the Next Step

Getting your Will sorted doesn’t need to be complicated or daunting. With the right advice, it can be a straightforward process that gives lasting reassurance.

If making or updating your Will has been something you’ve been meaning to do, the beginning of the year is an ideal time to act.

Download our Fresh Start Wills Guide to begin or contact Marsons Solicitors LLP to speak with a member of our Private Client team about putting the right arrangements in place for you and your family. In the meantime, why not follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X to stay up-to-date?