Writing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your estate. Yet many people in Alnwick, Northumberland and across the UK either put it off, rush it, or rely on generic templates that don’t reflect their real wishes.
Small errors can have big consequences. Here are seven of the most common Will writing mistakes we see at Rothco Wills & Estate Planning – and how to avoid them.
Why getting your Will right really matters
A professionally drafted Will does far more than simply say “who gets what”. It can:
- Protect your home, savings and personal possessions.
- Ensure the right people inherit at the right time.
- Appoint guardians for children under 18.
- Reduce family disputes and delays.
- Support wider estate planning, trusts and tax planning.
When a Will is unclear, out of date or invalid, the law may step in – and that can lead to an outcome you never intended.
Mistake 1: Incorrect or invalid signing and witnessing
The most carefully written Will can still fail if it is not signed and witnessed properly. Common issues include asking the wrong people to witness, missing signatures, or signing in the wrong order.
To avoid this, make sure you follow the legal requirements for signing and witnessing and keep a clear record of when and how it was done. A professional Will writer can guide you through this step so nothing is missed.
Mistake 2: Outdated beneficiaries and executors
Life moves on. People marry, divorce, fall out, move away or sadly pass away. If your Will still names an ex-partner, a deceased relative or someone you no longer trust as an executor, problems can quickly arise.
Review your Will regularly and especially after major life changes. Check that your chosen executors are still willing and able to act, and that your beneficiaries reflect your current wishes.
Mistake 3: Forgetting about stepchildren and blended families
Many modern families include stepchildren, second marriages and blended households. Without clear wording, some children could inherit while others receive nothing – even if that was never your intention.
If you want to provide fairly for a blended family, your Will needs to be carefully structured. This may involve trusts, life interest provisions or specific gifts so that everyone is looked after in the way you intend.
Mistake 4: No guardianship provisions for children
For parents, one of the most important functions of a Will is to appoint guardians for children under 18. Without this, decisions may fall to the courts, and family members could disagree over who should take responsibility.
Clearly naming trusted guardians in your Will can give you real peace of mind. It also makes things far easier for those left behind at an already difficult time.
Mistake 5: Overlooking property and jointly owned assets
Many people assume that “the house will just go to my partner” or that jointly held assets automatically pass to the survivor. In reality, things can be more complex, especially where there are previous relationships, business interests or unequal contributions.
A good Will should be backed by proper estate planning. This may involve reviewing how your property is owned, using trusts, and making sure your intentions are fully documented.
Mistake 6: Not considering remarriage and future relationships
If a surviving partner remarries, your original intentions can be unintentionally overridden, and assets may end up outside your immediate family.
There are planning options that can help protect children or other beneficiaries if a surviving spouse or partner later remarries. These need to be discussed and set up in advance as part of your Will and estate plan.
Mistake 7: Poor storage and communication
A Will that cannot be found, or whose contents are a complete surprise to the family, can cause real distress. It can also lead to questions and disputes.
Make sure your original Will is stored safely and that your executors know where to find it. Let those closest to you know that you have made a Will and that you have taken proper advice, even if you choose not to share every detail.
How Rothco Wills & Estate Planning can help
At Rothco Wills & Estate Planning, we take the time to understand your family, your assets and your priorities. We then create a bespoke Will that avoids these common mistakes and fits neatly within your wider estate plan.
- Friendly, plain-English advice – no jargon.
- Bespoke Wills tailored to your circumstances.
- Support with trusts, inheritance tax and care fee planning.
- Ongoing reviews so your Will stays up to date.
If you are worried that your existing Will may contain mistakes – or you have not yet made one – we are here to help.
Book your free consultation
Wherever you are in Northumberland, the North East or beyond, you can speak to us in a way that suits you – at home, at work, over the phone or by video call.
