Is your will still right for you? This Update Your Will Week (2nd – 8th March 2026), we are proud to support The Association of Lifetime Lawyers in raising awareness about the importance of both making a will, as well as keeping your will up to date if personal circumstances change. A will is far more than just a legal document. It captures your wishes, protects your loved ones, and safeguards the legacy you want to leave behind. Modern families are changing rapidly, and people often wrongly assume that their loved ones will be automatically taken care of. However, without clear and legally valid instructions, families and partners can face uncertainty, distress, and even costly disputes – often discovering too late that assumptions do not provide protection under the law and can have serious consequences. Why updating your will matters Your will ensures that your money, property, and personal possessions pass to the people you choose. If you have children under the age of 18, you can also appoint legal guardians in your will. And if you have pets, you can decide who will look after them after your passing. But when did you last review yours? If your will is not up to date or you don’t have a will Your estate may be distributed under the intestacy rules, which might not reflect your wishes or your family’s needs. Loved ones could face unnecessary stress, delays, or legal disagreements at an already difficult time. Your will should be treated as a living document – evolving as your circumstances change. Regular reviews aren’t a luxury; they’re an essential part of protecting the people you care about. When should you update your will? It’s best practice to review your will every five years or after any major life event, such as: Getting married or entering a civil partnership Getting divorced or dissolving a civil partnership Becoming a parent or grandparent Buying a home or changing your financial situation Losing a loved one Starting a business You or a beneficiary obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate Need to make or update your will? If it’s been a while since you last looked at your will – or you don’t have one yet – now is the time to take action. At Browell Smith & Co our Accredited Lifetime Lawyers offer specialist expertise in later-life legal matters. We can help families put clear, legally robust arrangements in place that reflect real lives. We aim to provide personalised support with care, empathy, and attention to detail, ensuring your wishes are clearly documented and legally protected. Don’t wait until it’s too late, ensure your future wishes are in place today. If you need to make or update your will, contact our team for expert advice.
Philip’s Memorial We would like to thank everyone for the love, support and well wishes expressed to us on Philip’s passing His Celebration of Life will take place at St Andrews Church , Bolam on 31st May at 1pm followed by light refreshments. We look forward to seeing you. Best wishes Ruth, Lizzie and Victoria xxx
In Memory of Philip Browell It is with great sadness that we are writing to notify our clients, colleagues and business associates of the sudden death of the Managing Director and founder Philip Browell. Philip passed away on the 9th of April at the age of 68, whilst on holiday in Costa Rica with Ruth, his wife of 29 years. He died in beautiful surroundings in a country that had been on his bucket list for a long time. As the very kind Costa Ricans say ‘he’s now having the time of his life’. We, who are left, are heartbroken for him and for our loss but know Philip would want us all to find peace. He was held in great esteem by the legal and business community of the North East, and mentored many. He was a beloved friend, husband and father. A partner at Watson Burton by the age of 26, he never forgot his roots which were firmly grounded in the mining community. Forming lifelong community ties and friendships, he was able to assist and represent the NUM and its members, particularly during the 1984 miners strike. He regularly regaled stories surrounding his experiences during that time, and would go on to represent many trade unions and their members over the following years. Never one to stay in the background, he acted as a trustee for many charities and was always willing to use his experience and knowledge to support others. As a thespian in another life, Philip enjoyed amateur dramatics and community choirs, acting as a trustee, director and actor! Philip was immensely proud of Browell Smith and Co the firm he built and thoroughly enjoyed being a part of for the past 30 years. So proud we could not keep him away even long past his retirement age! The practice continues at Philip’s blessing under the direction of his wife Ruth and his trusted Co-Directors Dawn Bagley and John Muxworthy. Philip’s funeral took place in Costa Rica, but a Celebration of Life is planned, details of which will be published in due course.