For those writing a will in England and Wales, ensuring that it is properly structured and legally sound is only part of the responsibility. Equally important is maintaining up to date details for the named beneficiaries and executor(s), including their current addresses and contact information.
Regularly reviewing and updating contact details within a will is best practice. Failure to do so can create significant challenges when the time comes to administer an estate, leading to unnecessary delays, increased costs, and potential disputes.
The Risks of Outdated Information
Many testators prepare their will years – sometimes decades – before they pass away. Over time, beneficiaries and executors may move, change names due to marriage or divorce, or become seemingly unreachable for other reasons. If their details are outdated, the probate process can become more complex with executors struggling to locate beneficiaries, leading to delays in distributing assets.
Similarly, if an executor cannot be found (or is no longer willing or able to act), it can lead to administrative complications. The absence of an appointed representative may result in the need for a court application to appoint a new executor, adding further costs and time delays to the estate administration process.
The Benefits of Regularly Reviewing Beneficiary and Executor Details
To avoid these pitfalls, estate planners and will writers should encourage their clients to regularly review and update their wills, ensuring that beneficiary and executor details remain current. The benefits of this proactive approach include:
- Smoother Estate Administration – Executors can locate and contact beneficiaries more easily, allowing for a more efficient distribution of assets.
- Reduced Risk of Disputes – If there are ambiguities in locating beneficiaries, disputes may arise among family members, potentially leading to contested probate proceedings.
- Ensuring the Testator’s Wishes Are Honoured – Keeping details updated helps ensure that intended beneficiaries receive their inheritance as per the testator’s wishes.
How Anglia Research Can Assist
At Anglia Research, we specialise in tracing missing beneficiaries and executors, helping to resolve potentially complex probate cases efficiently. Our expertise in people-tracing ensures that estates are administered correctly and that the rightful heirs are identified and contacted.
However, while our services can assist when issues arise, a proactive approach remains the best strategy. By encouraging clients to update their wills regularly and verify the details of those included, estate planners, will writers, and private client solicitors can help mitigate many of the challenges that arise when information is outdated.
A Comprehensive Approach to Probate Research
Updating beneficiary and executor details is just one of the many ways in which probate genealogists can assist in the estate administration process. From verifying family trees, finding missing beneficiaries, and undertaking asset and bankruptcy searches, our services are designed to streamline the probate process and ensure that estates are distributed as efficiently as possible.
To learn more about the full range of probate research services we offer, contact Anglia Research today.
