When did you last review your Will?

If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Many UK families are at risk from outdated or poorly drafted Wills, which can lead to devastating legal costs and family disputes.

Even a recently written Will, especially a DIY or free Will, might not offer the foresight and protection you don’t yet realise you need. These documents can often contain hidden gaps that only surface during a time of grief, when it’s too late to fix any issues easily and at low cost.

For example, gifting specific assets directly is a common pitfall. Imagine you leave your house to an adult child, wanting to make sure they have a home. If you end up having to sell that house later in life, perhaps for care fees, the gift legally fails, and if they face divorce, half of that could be lost in a divorce settlement.

It’s a heartbreaking situation where your original intentions can quickly be overlooked simply because the Will was not adequately structured for the unexpected.

Legal fees can run into the tens of thousands and drag your loved ones through lengthy, stressful court battles, which could last years.

Still, these outcomes are often entirely preventable with specialist advice during your lifetime.

Ensuring Your Will Can Handle the Unexpected

Many think any Will is better than none, but that can be a costly assumption to rely on. Basic templates and even Wills from a generalist lawyer often don’t account for common modern family dynamics.

It’s like asking a GP to perform heart surgery; for something this important, you need a specialist, and with April King, it may not be as expensive as you may think.

Life’s biggest moments are often the triggers. Getting married can automatically cancel your current Will. Should I review my Will if I have new grandchildren? Absolutely. Without an update, new arrivals could be unintentionally left out.

Buying or selling property, or the death of a beneficiary or executor, can also create significant problems, such as lengthy delays or disputes, if your Will is not updated.

The True Cost of Inadequate Planning

The actual cost of an inadequate Will is staggering. Legal disputes can easily consume tens of thousands of pounds from your estate and money meant for your loved ones.

Beyond the financial loss, the emotional toll is immense. These conflicts can cause permanent rifts between siblings and other family members.

At the same time, legal challenges can freeze the distribution of your assets for years, leaving beneficiaries in financial limbo when they need support the most.

How Specialist Expertise Makes the Difference

This is where specialist expertise makes all the difference. Our private client advisory team understand how to navigate complex family dynamics and can offer innovative solutions to protect assets from potential future threats.

Protecting your family starts with a professional Will review, regardless of when your current one was written and by whom.

An expert can review your current documents and discuss any changes in your circumstances. This includes identifying gaps in your plan that you may not be aware of.

With our 30 years of experience helping tens of thousands of families protect their legacy and minimise future claims against clients’ estates or their children’s inheritance, we can provide valuable insights.

Prevention costs are tiny compared to the emotional and financial costs of leaving problems for your family.

Want more insights to protect your family?

Request our free legacy pack to learn how to safeguard your family’s inheritance and ensure that your final wishes promote harmony rather than discord.

Call our friendly team at 0800 788 0508 to arrange a no-obligation initial consultation with one of our specialist advisors.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. No responsibility is accepted for any action taken or not taken based on the content of this article. Readers should seek appropriate professional advice tailored to their circumstances before making decisions. April King Legal will not be held liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.