Update Your Will Week 2026 is an annual awareness campaign taking place from Monday, 2nd March to Sunday, 8th March 2026.
Led by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly), the initiative encourages UK adults to review and refresh their wills to ensure they accurately reflect their current wishes and personal circumstances.
Key Details for 2026
- Dates: 2–8 March 2026.
- Purpose: To highlight the risks of outdated wills, which can lead to contested estates, delays, and financial stress for families.
- Frequency: Experts recommend reviewing your will every 3 to 5 years or after any significant life event.
When to Update Your Will
You should specifically review your will if you have experienced any of the following:
- Marriage or Civil Partnership: In England and Wales, marriage typically revokes an existing will unless it was specifically made in contemplation of that marriage.
- Divorce or Separation: While divorce doesn't revoke a will, it changes how it is interpreted—often treating an ex-spouse as if they had died before you.
- New Additions: The birth or adoption of children or grandchildren.
- Asset Changes: Buying or selling property, or a significant change in your financial situation.
- Bereavement: The death of a named beneficiary, executor, or guardian.
- Legal Gender Recognition: If you or a beneficiary obtains a Gender Recognition Certificate.
How to Take Action
- Find a Specialist: You can use the Lifetime Lawyers search tool to find accredited solicitors who specialise in later-life legal matters.
- Free Wills Month: Coinciding with this week, Free Wills Month (March 2026) offers those aged 55 and over the chance to have a simple will written or updated for free by participating solicitors, typically in exchange for a charitable donation.
- Official Guidance: For basic legal requirements in the UK, refer to the GOV.UK guide on updating a will.
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