June 28, 2026
Wills | Estate Planning
28 June 2026 • 3 min read
Writing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones. Yet at Matrix Estate Planning Ltd, based at 4 Orchard Gardens, South Anston, Sheffield S25 5FL, we regularly meet clients who believed their Will was perfectly valid — only to discover issues that could cause stress, delays, or unintended outcomes for their families.
One of the biggest causes of Will disputes is incorrect signing.
A legally valid Will in England and Wales must be signed:
• by the person making the Will
• in the presence of two independent witnesses
• with all parties signing at the same time
Common errors we see include:
• witnesses signing on different days
• missing signatures
• witnesses not being physically present
• attempts to “correct” mistakes afterwards
These issues can lead to delays, challenges, or parts of the Will being disregarded entirely.
A beneficiary — or their spouse/civil partner — must not act as a witness.
If they do, their gift may legally fail.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings we see with homemade Wills.
Choosing independent witnesses is essential to protect your intended beneficiaries.
Many people are unaware that marriage normally revokes an existing Will.
Unless your Will was drafted in contemplation of marriage, it becomes invalid the moment you marry — potentially leaving your estate governed by intestacy rules.
This is a frequent issue for clients who made Wills years before meeting their current partner.
Divorce does not cancel a Will.
Instead, your ex‑spouse is treated as though they have died for the purposes of the document.
This can leave:
• gaps in executorship
• outdated guardianship choices
• unintended beneficiaries
A Will should always be reviewed after separation or divorce.
Crossing out sections, adding notes, or making handwritten amendments can create confusion — and may invalidate parts of the Will.
If your circumstances change, the safest option is to update the Will professionally rather than trying to adjust it yourself.
Your Will should evolve as your life does.
Major life events such as:
• marriage or separation
• children or grandchildren
• buying or selling property
• business changes
• changing family relationships
can all affect whether your Will still reflects your wishes.
We recommend reviewing your Will every 2–3 years.
Many people focus solely on what happens after death and forget about planning for later life.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to.
Without an LPA, families may face lengthy and costly Court of Protection applications.
LPAs are a vital part of modern estate planning and should be considered alongside your Will.
Protecting Your Loved Ones Starts With Good Planning
Estate planning is not just about documents — it’s about clarity, protection, and peace of mind.
At Matrix Estate Planning Ltd, we help clients across South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire put strong, legally compliant plans in place that reflect their wishes and safeguard their families.
If you would like to review your current Will or discuss creating a new one, we would be pleased to help.
Matrix Estate Planning Ltd
4 Orchard Gardens, South Anston, Sheffield S25 5FL
Call Graham Hinitt on (07786) 361139
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