If you have made your will, how long is it since you read it over and considered whether it needs updating?

Shelly Wainwright, wills and probate lawyer at Ansons Solicitors in Lichfield and Cannock, Staffordshire explains why it is important for anyone who has made a will to have it reviewed and updated regularly.

‘Sometimes an old will can be as unhelpful as having no will at all, especially if it no longer fits your family circumstances or your wishes,’ says Shelly.

That is why Ansons Solicitors are offering to review your will for free. If you decide that any changes are needed, then we can help you make them by creating a new will or adding a codicil to your existing will on a fixed fee basis with a clear quote upfront.

At Ansons, we recommend that you regularly review your will at least every four or five years and there can be a lot to think about. A specialist wills solicitor will ensure that the terms of your will are as you intend and achieve your desired outcome.

There are a number of points to consider when reviewing your will, including:

1. Have your personal circumstances changed since you made your will? For example, if you have married after making your will, any previous will has been revoked by your marriage, so you and your spouse need to make new wills.

2. Are the details for your executors up to date? Have they moved out of the area or have their circumstances changed which means that they are not the ideal people to be appointed anymore?

3. Have you included everyone you would like to as a beneficiary? For example, have you had more children or grandchildren since you made your will? Are all of your beneficiaries named in your will still alive, or have their personal circumstances changed?

4. Are you including all of your children? If not, have you taken legal advice about your options about this?

5. Is your will correctly signed and witnessed? If not, then your will is invalid and this will mean your estate will be dealt with under the intestacy rules which may mean that your estate may not pass to who you intend.

To book your free will review, contact Shelly Wainwright at Ansons Solicitors on 01543 267 984 or email swainwright@ansons.law. Ansons Solicitors has offices in Lichfield and Cannock, Staffordshire.