Common Mistakes in Wills – why reviewing your Will matters

When was the last time you reviewed your Will?

A recent survey by Which? found that three in five people with a Will had not updated it in the past five years. This is a common issue—and one that can lead to serious problems down the line.

How Often Should You Review Your Will?

It is generally recommended that you review your Will:

• Every five years
• After major life events, such as:
  • Marriage or civil partnership
  • Divorce or separation
  • The birth or adoption of a child
  • Significant changes in financial circumstances

Why Regular Reviews Are Important

Even if your circumstances haven’t changed, reviewing your Will regularly is still essential. It allows you to:

• Spot errors that may have been missed when the Will was first drafted
• Ensure your wishes are still accurately reflected
• Update details such as names, addresses, or executors

A Will should never be a “set and forget” document—it should evolve with your life.

The Risk of an Invalid or Disputed Will

It’s also important to check the physical condition and validity of your Will. Any uncertainty around its authenticity or execution could result in delays, disputes, or even the Will being declared invalid.

In the UK:

• Up to 10,000 Wills are disputed each year
• In 2020, 192 cases were heard in the High Court

One of the main reasons for this rise is the increase in DIY Wills, which are often incorrectly drafted or not properly executed.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Regular reviews help prevent issues such as:

• Outdated beneficiaries
• Missing or incorrect executor details
• Unclear or ambiguous instructions
• Poor drafting that could lead to disputes

Free Will Review Service

At Ad Valorem Estate Planning, we want to ensure your Will works exactly as intended.

That’s why we offer a free Will review service. Simply send us a copy of your existing Will, and we will provide a clear summary of our findings. If any updates are needed, we can guide you through the next steps and assist with drafting a new Will.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to learn more about our Will review service—or simply want peace of mind that your Will is up to date—please get in touch and speak to Kevin today.

(E) enquiries@advaloremgroup.uk (T) 01908 219100 (W) advaloremgroup.uk