Why Updating Your Will Matters in 2026
In 2025 there were an increasing number of blended families, a rise in divorces, second marriages, and an increase in complexities of modern assets such as digital assets. These are all important reasons why you should make a Will or consider updating an existing Will to ensure that after you die your estate will pass to the people you choose to benefit.
Unexpected illness or accidents can tragically occur, yet it seems the majority of the younger generation do not have sufficient measures in place to protect their loved ones and their estates. Many younger generations make the mistake of thinking that they may not have enough value in assets to make a Will but there is much more to consider then you may think.
Your estate comprises your personal possessions, property, savings and investments, insurance funds, pension funds, business interests and digital assets. If you died without having a valid Will in place it could be difficult for your family to sort out your affairs. Your estate would be divided in accordance with the rules of intestacy which may benefit persons whom you would not ordinarily choose.
Partners who are not married or not in a civil partnership would not have the right to inherit (even if you were cohabiting). Estranged relatives could potentially inherit and there could be legal delays and additional financial costs for your family.
On the flip side, any new marriage would automatically revoke any existing Will in place unless the Will specifically stated it was made in contemplation of that marriage. If a new Will was not made after that marriage then the estate would be distributed in accordance with the rules of intestacy. This can be particularly problematic for those with children from a previous relationship.
Conversely, if you are separated but not divorced your existing Will remains legally valid and your spouse can still inherit. This is because a legal divorce is required to change your spouse’s legal status. Your Will must be updated immediately to reflect your current wishes and prevent your separated spouse from inheriting.
A valid Will protects your loved ones after you die and ensures your estate is dealt with in the way you choose. If you have young children a Will can appoint guardians to care for your children after you have died. If you have children of the ‘furry kind’ a Will can make provision for your pets including financial provision for long term care to ensure they are looked after in the way that you desire. If you had no Will in place this could result in them being taken to an animal shelter, being re-homed or even euthanised.
Our Private Client Team are experts in Will Writing and are on hand to assist and provide professional advice on how best to safeguard your assets and protect the interests of your loved ones. We are accredited members of the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme and are perfectly placed to advise you whatever your family dynamic or wealth level. To find out more about our Wills, Tax and Probate services please visit https://enochevans.co.uk/services-for-you/wills-tax-probate/