When Claire’s aunt passed away earlier this year, she thought the process of winding up the estate would be relatively straightforward. Her aunt, a successful retired businesswoman with no children, had always been close to Claire’s family and often spoke of leaving something behind for her nieces and nephews.
But what followed was a sobering reminder of just how important it is to regularly review your will.
A Will Written, But Never Revisited
Claire’s aunt had written her will nearly 15 years ago. At the time, she’d left 45% of her estate to her sister (Claire’s mum), 45% to her brother (Claire’s uncle), and 10% to be divided among three charities she supported.
It seemed fair and well thought through at the time.
But by the time of her passing in 2025, both her sister and brother had sadly passed away. And without an updated will to reflect those changes, something unexpected happened – the entire estate, worth around £1 million, was inherited solely by the three named charities.
None of the money went to Claire or other relatives.
The Legal Reality
In the eyes of the law, when beneficiaries die before the person making the will does, and no substitute beneficiaries are named, that portion of the estate falls into what’s known as ‘residuary estate’. In this case, because the charities were the only remaining named beneficiaries, they inherited 100% of the estate.
There was no legal recourse. The will was valid. And the outcome, though legally sound, left the family shocked and saddened.
The Emotional Fallout
Claire wasn’t bitter – in fact, she respected the charitable causes her aunt had supported. But the outcome felt hollow. Her aunt had likely never intended to cut her family out entirely. She simply hadn’t updated her will as life moved on, loved ones passed, and circumstances changed.
Had she reviewed her will every few years – even just briefly – a different outcome may have unfolded.
A Cautionary Reminder for Us All
At Frank Taylor & Associates, we often see how estate planning can unintentionally go awry. While many dental practice owners are meticulous with their business affairs, personal matters like wills often fall to the bottom of the to-do list.
But here’s the truth:
Your will is not a ‘set and forget’ document.
It should evolve with your life – changes in relationships, births, deaths, financial shifts, or even a change of heart about who should inherit.
What You Should Do Now
We recommend reviewing your will:
Every 3–5 years at a minimum
Immediately after any major life event (a birth, death, divorce, or sale of a business)
Alongside any major financial planning (especially if you’re planning to sell your dental practice)
It doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Often, a simple conversation with a trusted advisor or solicitor can prevent costly, and irreversible, surprises later down the line.
Final Thoughts
Claire’s story is not unique. But it is a powerful reminder.
If your will doesn’t reflect your current wishes, it may as well not exist at all.
If you’re thinking about your long-term legacy – whether that includes your family, your business, or meaningful causes – make sure it’s written down clearly, legally, and kept up to date.
Because when the time comes, you won’t be there to explain what you meant.
Need help planning your future?
At Frank Taylor & Associates, we help dental professionals prepare for life’s biggest transitions – including succession planning, business sales, and protecting what matters most.
Reach out to our team for trusted advice on preparing for your perfect exit.
