From Monday 2nd to Sunday 8th March 2026, Update Your Will Week 2026 encourages adults across the UK to finally tick one of life’s most important tasks off their to do list.
If completing your Will has been lingering in the background, you are not alone. Research shows that 1 in 10 UK adults have started making a Will but have not finished it, while nearly half, 49 per cent, do not have a Will at all. That means millions of families could be left facing uncertainty at an already distressing time.
This March, Update Your Will Week is the perfect opportunity to put plans in place or ensure your existing Will still reflects your wishes.
Who Needs a Will?
If you are over 18 and living in the UK, you probably need a Will.
An up to date, professionally drafted Will is especially important if you:
- Have children
- Own a property
- Have savings, investments or a pension
- Run a business
- Have digital assets
- Want to leave specific gifts or charitable donations
Without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy. These strict legal rules dictate who inherits your assets and this may not align with what you would have wanted. Unmarried partners, stepchildren or close friends could receive nothing. The process can also create unnecessary stress, delay and conflict for loved ones.
A Will gives you control. It allows you to:
- Choose who inherits your estate
- Appoint guardians for your children
- Decide who will manage your affairs as executor
- Reduce potential inheritance tax liabilities
- Protect vulnerable beneficiaries
Simply put, a Will provides clarity and peace of mind.
When Should You Update Your Will?
Making a Will is not a task you complete once and forget. Life changes and your Will should reflect that.
Professional bodies such as Lifetime Lawyers recommend reviewing your Will every five years, or sooner if a major life event occurs, such as:
- Marriage or entering a civil partnership
- Divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership
- The birth of a child or grandchild
- A death in the family
- Significant changes in financial circumstances
- A beneficiary obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate
It is worth noting that marriage can automatically revoke an existing Will, unless it was made in contemplation of marriage. This makes reviewing your Will even more important.
Why Professional Advice Matters?
While it can be tempting to choose the cheapest option or use an unregulated Will writer, this approach can prove costly in the long term.
Poorly drafted Wills may:
- Fail to account for all assets, including digital assets
- Contain ambiguous wording
- Create unintended tax consequences
- Lead to disputes between beneficiaries
A Will is an investment in your family’s future. Working with an experienced legal professional ensures your wishes are clearly documented, legally valid and tailored to your personal circumstances.
How Harold G Walker Solicitors Can Help?
At Harold G Walker Solicitors, we understand that making or updating a Will can feel daunting, but it does not have to be.
Our experienced team provides clear, practical and sensitive advice to help you:
- Draft a new Will that reflects your wishes
- Update an existing Will following changes in your life
- Plan for inheritance tax efficiently
- Protect young or vulnerable beneficiaries
- Ensure all of your assets, including property, pensions and digital assets, are properly considered
With offices serving clients across the region, we offer appointments at locations convenient to you, as well as the option of home visits where appropriate. Our approachable solicitors take the time to understand your circumstances and provide tailored advice in plain English, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Take Action During Update Your Will Week 2026
Update Your Will Week 2026 is a timely reminder that putting your affairs in order is one of the most thoughtful steps you can take for your family.
If writing or updating your Will has been sitting on your to do list, make this the week you take action. By seeking professional advice and ensuring your Will is up to date, you can protect the people you care about and gain lasting peace of mind.