Updating Your Will – Why It’s Essential for Your Future

Hi, it’s Graham Martin from Kingsbridge Wills and Trusts. Today is Wednesday, 19th March 2025, and I’ve received some sad news. As much as I remain professional, I can’t help but form attachments to some of my clients—especially the older ones, where we spend a lot of time together, discussing their situations in detail and explaining things to them and their families.

Sadly, a client I had been working with passed away today.

He died very peacefully while in a cab on the way back from his bank. He had been taking care of some personal matters, enjoying the beautiful day, and then peacefully passed away.

I had already arranged his lasting powers of attorney, which are no longer relevant now. We had also placed his home into a protective structure called a Probate Preservation Plus Trust (PPPT), which offers multiple layers of protection, including against care costs. However, with his passing, that aspect no longer applies.

More importantly, I had been working with him on an enhanced will that would feed into a trust for his children and grandchildren. His previous will was outdated and needed a complete overhaul. Rather than wait for the full process to be completed—which, as you can imagine, takes time and multiple signatures—I drafted an interim will for him, free of charge. I told him, “God forbid something happens to you before we finalize the enhanced will, but if it does, this will be in place to protect your wishes.”

Unfortunately, that moment came sooner than expected. While I am deeply saddened for him and his two daughters, I take comfort in knowing that the interim will is there to safeguard his estate. It served as a crucial bridge in ensuring his family’s security.

Tonight, I’ll raise a glass to him. His name was James.

So, what’s the key message here? If you have elderly parents—or if you’re over the age of 70 yourself—it’s essential to keep your will updated. An updated will should work alongside an enhanced will and trust, ensuring your estate is handled according to your wishes.

If you’d like to discuss this, feel free to reach out to me, Graham Martin, at Kingsbridge Wills and Trusts. I operate across London and the Home Counties, including Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Essex. You can call me at 0208 364 6789 or email me at [email protected].

Take care, and I’ll speak to you soon.