Paul McCartney is currently facing his estranged wife Heather Mills McCartney across a courtroom, ironically in the same week as Valentine’s Day, and at stake is a considerable proportion of his fortune. And at the end of any stressful divorce involving a certain amount of hostility, updating a will may be the last thing on anyone’s mind.

But as one Wigan lawyer points out, changing your will should be the very next step, in order to protect wealth in the long term.

Olwen Williams, partner of Stephensons Solicitors LLP, says: “Divorce can be stressful, time consuming and very intense, so it’s not surprising that as many people enjoy their new freedom, they forget about making sure their estate is secured for the future.

“I’d urge anyone going through such a life changing event to ensure they also change their will to reflect their new status as soon as they can. And I’m sure Paul McCartney’s team will be advising him to do the same.”

Figures from the National Consumer Council* suggest up to 27 million people in England and Wales do not even have a will, including 83% of co-habiting couples, 79% of households with dependent children, while only 27% of people on low-incomes have one. 

Olwen adds: “Setting up or updating a will could save a lot of heartache in the long run. But it’s not just divorced couples who need to beware. Newly weds, new parents, and anyone whose financial circumstances change needs to keep their will up to date to make sure their wishes are met after they’re gone.”

The week commencing 11th of February is Stephensons’ Wills Week, with special reductions available to people who give their instructions before February 17th. To find out more call 01942 774395.