The festive lights have dimmed, the calendar has turned and January arrives with its quiet insistence on order. Along with fresh smatterings of snow, this is the month that invites reflection and resolve. A natural pause. A moment to ask whether the plans we have in place still reflect the lives we are living. For many people, estate planning sits firmly on the “I’ll get to it” list. January is often when that changes.
As families grow, relationships evolve and finances shift, the documents meant to protect your wishes can quickly fall out of step. A Will drafted years ago may no longer reflect who you are or what matters most. This is where thoughtful review becomes not just sensible, but essential.
In this piece, Assistant Solicitor Shirin Hussain, part of the firm’s Wills and Probate team, explores why the New Year is such a powerful moment to act. Shirin supports individuals and families with Wills, estate administration and future planning, helping them bring clarity to complex and often emotional decisions. Her approach is calm, practical and grounded in the realities that clients in the Black Country and Worcestershire face at different stages of life.
Recent research reinforces why this conversation matters now. The National Wills Report 2025, paints a striking picture of how attitudes to estate planning are shifting across the UK. According to the report, only 37% of adults currently have a Will, a noticeable decline on previous years. Younger generations appear less likely to prioritise formal planning, despite increasingly complex personal and financial arrangements.
Yet there is a counterbalance. Of those who do have a Will, 43% chose to work with a solicitor, underlining the value people place on professional guidance when they do act. Looking ahead, 34% of adults say they intend to write a Will within the next year. If those intentions are realised, the UK could see as many as 17 million new Wills created during 2026.
The findings also reveal a cultural shift in how openly people talk about death and planning. The report shows that 79% of adults now feel comfortable discussing death, an increase of 8 percent year on year. In addition, 71% have shared their end-of-life wishes with loved ones, helping to reduce uncertainty and distress at an already difficult time.
However, the gap between conversation and action remains. Nearly 29% of people have never discussed what should happen after their death and many who are comfortable talking still fail to take practical steps, such as formally recording or safely storing their Will. Coverage also in Today’s Wills and Probate highlights this tension clearly, noting that openness alone does not protect families. Action does.
This matters because informal intentions, however well meant, do not carry legal weight. Without a valid, up-to-date Will, the law decides how your estate is distributed. That can lead to outcomes you never intended, increased risk of disputes and unnecessary stress for those you leave behind. Our earlier insight on fraudulent Wills explores how uncertainty and poor documentation can leave estates vulnerable to challenge, particularly where families are blended or relationships are strained.
January offers a chance to close that gap between intention and protection. A few deliberate steps can make a meaningful difference:
Review your Will and key documents
If your Will has not been reviewed in recent years, or if your circumstances have changed through marriage, separation, children, property or business interests, now is the time. Our guide on why you should update your Will explains how even small life changes can have significant legal consequences.
Talk to the people who matter
Sharing your wishes with family members can prevent confusion and conflict later. These conversations may feel uncomfortable, but they are often a gift of clarity rather than a burden.
Work with a professional
A solicitor ensures your Will is legally robust, tax-aware and tailored to your circumstances. DIY solutions often miss crucial details that only come to light when it is too late to correct them.
Think beyond the Will
Lasting Powers of Attorney and trust arrangements are just as important. Our Lasting Power of Attorney 2025 guide explains how these documents protect you during your lifetime, should you ever be unable to make decisions for yourself.
Shirin reflects: “We are seeing more people willing to talk openly about death and future planning, which is a positive step. The real challenge is turning those conversations into clear, legally sound documents. Taking action now gives you control and it gives your family certainty when they need it most.”
Estate planning is not about dwelling on the end. It is about putting order around what matters, so the year ahead feels lighter, not heavier. January does not demand perfection. It asks for intention, followed by action. If reviewing or making a Will is on your list for 2026, our Wills and Probate team at Waldrons Solicitors is here to help. Whether you are starting from scratch or refining existing plans, we can guide you with care, clarity and confidence.
