January 2026 saw a record rise in demand for Wills and estate planning services across the UK, with legal providers reporting a sharp increase in enquiries and completed Wills. The trend highlights a growing public awareness of the importance of planning ahead -and a significant shift from just good intentions to taking action.
This surge in demand is not an isolated event. It reflects a broader pattern of those engaging with Wills and Estate planning, as individuals and families take stock of their finances, responsibilities, and long-term wishes at the start of a new year.
Why more people are acting on New Year intentions
January often brings with it new beginnings, a renewed focus on personal organisation, security, and future planning. Alongside financial planning and career goals, many people are recognising that making or updating a Will is a practical step that offers lasting peace of mind.
It was also recognised that heightened awareness around inheritance rules, family protection, and the consequences of dying without a Will has prompted many to prioritise estate planning earlier rather than later.
Why make a Will?
A Will is the only way to ensure that your wishes are followed after your death. Without one, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your intentions.
Making a will allows you to:
Ultimately, a will is not just a legal document - it is a practical and compassionate step that protects the people who matter most to you.
Why use a solicitor to make a Will?
While online templates and DIY options are increasingly common and readily available, they can overlook the complexity of individual circumstances. A solicitor-drafted Will provides legal certainty and peace of mind that generic Will solutions often cannot.
Using a solicitor means:
We ensure that the Will-writing process is clear, thorough, and supportive -guiding our clients through each step while ensuring their wishes are properly protected.
The Will-writing process with a solicitor
For many people, the idea of making a will can feel daunting. Working with a solicitor removes that uncertainty by providing structure, clarity, and expert guidance at every stage. The process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring that your wishes are properly recorded and legally protected.
1. Initial consultation and fact-finding
The process begins with an initial consultation, during which your solicitor will take time to understand your personal circumstances. This includes discussing your family situation, assets, liabilities, business interests, and any specific concerns you may have.
Your solicitor will also explain your options in clear terms, helping you consider points you may not have thought about - such as guardianship for children, provision for unmarried partners, or how to deal with digital assets. This early stage is about listening, advising, and ensuring nothing important is overlooked.
2. Tailored legal advice
Based on the information gathered, your solicitor will provide personalised advice on how best to structure your Will. This may include guidance on inheritance tax planning, the use of trusts, or how to balance competing interests within families.
Unlike standardised templates, this advice is specific to you and reflects current legislation, ensuring your Will is legally sound and aligns with your long-term objectives.
3. Drafting the Will
Your solicitor will then draft a clear and precise will based on your instructions. Care is taken to ensure the language used is unambiguous and legally effective, reducing the risk of disputes or misinterpretation after your death.
You will be given the opportunity to review the draft in full, ask questions, and request any changes. The process is collaborative, ensuring the final document accurately reflects your wishes.
4. Reviewing and finalising
Once you are happy with the draft, your solicitor will review the document with you to confirm that it meets your expectations and fully reflects your intentions. Any final amendments are made at this stage, and practical matters such as choosing executors and witnesses are confirmed.
This careful review helps prevent common issues such as unclear gifts, outdated provisions, or inconsistencies that could cause problems later.
5. Execution and storage
For a Will to be valid, it must be signed and witnessed correctly. Your solicitor will ensure that the execution process complies with all legal requirements, removing the risk of technical errors that could invalidate the Will.
After execution, your solicitor can arrange for the will to be securely stored and provide guidance on how it can be updated in the future as circumstances change.
6. Ongoing review and peace of mind
Life brings with it changes naturally. A solicitor can help you review and update your Will following significant events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or changes in financial circumstances.
This ongoing support ensures your Will remains current and effective, giving you confidence that your estate plan will continue to protect your wishes and your loved ones.
Looking ahead
The record demand for wills in early 2026 reflects a growing recognition that estate planning is an essential part of life planning - not something to postpone. Whether you are making your first will or updating an existing one, now is an ideal time to take action.
By working with a solicitor, you can be confident that your wishes are clearly recorded and legally protected, giving reassurance to you and security to those you care about.
Contact Associate Solicitor Kerry Hay for expert legal advice o wills, probate, Inheritance Tax planning, powers of attorney, trusts and Court of Protection matters.
Kerry qualified as a solicitor in 2013 after studying at Bournemouth University and the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice.
She is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a worldwide organisation of lawyers, accountants, trustees and other practitioners with extensive experience of wills and probate matters. Members must have at least five years’ experience of wills and probate. They must also pass strict selection criteria.
Kerry is also accredited by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, formerly known as Solicitors for the Elderly. It is a national organisation of 1,500 lawyers dedicated to helping older and vulnerable clients.
Contact Kerry at our Fleetsbridge office.