As families gather over Christmas and life slows down, many people start thinking about the year ahead and whether their affairs are in order. One of the most important and most overlooked tasks is updating your will. If you live in Northern Ireland, December is one of the best times to review it. You’re surrounded by the people who matter most, and it’s easier to have the practical conversations you might avoid during busier months.
Whether you already have a will or you’ve been putting it off, the run-up to the New Year is the ideal time to bring it up to date.
Why You Should Update Your Will Before 2026
Your will should always reflect your current life. Even small changes can affect who you would want to inherit or manage your affairs. You should consider updating your will if any of the following have happened recently:
A new child or grandchild
Marriage, separation or a new partner
A bereavement involving someone named in your will
A house move or major change in assets
A change in who you trust to act as executor
A realisation that your old will no longer matches what you want
Most people don’t need a brand-new will — just a sensible update. But keeping it current avoids confusion, delays and family disputes later.
Why Christmas Is the Best Time to Review Your Will
Christmas is one of the rare times families are together. Conversations about the future feel more natural and relaxed. It doesn’t need to be heavy:
“I’m updating my will in January — just checking everything still makes sense.”
A simple, practical chat now can prevent stress and uncertainty for your family in the future.
Key Things to Review in Your Will
When we review a client’s will, we focus on:
1. Executors and Trustees
Are they still the right people? Are they available, capable and willing?
2. Guardians for Children
Still the correct choice for your circumstances today?
3. Beneficiaries
Do the right people inherit the right assets?
4. Property and Assets
Have you moved, bought or sold anything significant?
5. Special Gifts and Sentimental Items
Do they still reflect your intentions?
6. Trusts for Children or Vulnerable Beneficiaries
Would a Wills Trust offer better protection?
How Long Does It Take to Update a Will?
Much less time than people expect.
Most updates follow three quick steps:
A short chat to identify what has changed
Drafting the updated wording
Signing the new will properly
Most updates are completed within one to two weeks — and if you get in touch now, we can have everything ready for early January.
Don’t Put It Off Another Year
Every December, clients say the same thing:
“I should have done this ages ago.”
Updating your will is simple, practical and one of the best ways to protect the people you care about. Enter the New Year with clarity and peace of mind.
If you’d like to review or update your will before 2026, we can guide you through the process quickly and clearly.