How Often Should You Update Your Will?

Introduction
Creating a Will is one of the most important steps in protecting your loved ones, but a Will isn’t a “set and forget” document. Life is constantly changing — relationships, finances, property, and family circumstances evolve. Without regular updates, your Will may no longer reflect your current wishes or provide the protection your loved ones need.

This blog explores when and why you should review and update your Will, helping you ensure it remains effective over time.

Key Life Events That Trigger a Review

1. Marriage or civil partnership
   Getting married can automatically revoke a previous Will in England and Wales, so you’ll need to create a new one or update the existing document.

2. Divorce or separation
   Divorce doesn’t automatically revoke all provisions, especially for stepchildren or specific gifts. Review your Will to ensure it reflects your intentions and avoids unintended beneficiaries.

3. Birth or adoption of children
   Adding children or adopting minors changes guardianship and inheritance priorities. Updating your Will ensures your children are protected and your estate is distributed fairly.

4. Significant changes in assets
   Buying property, selling assets, receiving an inheritance, or experiencing financial growth can affect how you want your estate divided.

5. Starting or ending a business
   Business ownership or partnership changes may require adjustments to your Will to protect business interests and beneficiaries.

6. Changes in relationships
   New partners, stepchildren, or blended families may need to be included, and previous beneficiaries may need adjustments.

Other Situations to Consider

• Relocation abroad: Different laws may affect your Will.

• Health changes: Serious illness or health risks can highlight the importance of reviewing your wishes.

• Charitable intentions: If you want to support new causes or organisations.

• Legal updates: Laws change over time, and professional review ensures compliance.

Even if none of these apply, a periodic review every 3–5 years is recommended to ensure everything remains current.

How to Update Your Will

1. Codicil
   A codicil is an official amendment to an existing Will. It’s suitable for small changes, such as updating beneficiaries or adding a gift. Codicils must be signed and witnessed in the same way as the original Will.

2. Rewrite the Will
   For major changes — new family members, significant assets, or complex estate plans — rewriting the Will ensures clarity and reduces the risk of confusion.

3. Professional review
   Consulting a solicitor or Will-writing service helps ensure your updates are legally valid and reflect your intentions accurately.

Consequences of Not Updating Your Will

• Unintended beneficiaries: Ex-partners, estranged relatives, or old friends may receive assets you no longer wish to leave them.

• Minor children not protected: Guardianship instructions may be outdated, leaving the courts to decide.

• Family disputes: Ambiguities or outdated instructions can lead to conflicts among surviving family members.

• Financial loss: Unupdated Wills may miss tax planning opportunities or fail to include new assets.

Regular updates prevent these issues and provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Practical Example
Mark made a Will when he was 25, single, and renting a flat. Over the next 20 years, he bought a house, married, had two children, and inherited his parents’ property. Because he never updated his Will, some assets were unintentionally left to distant relatives, and guardianship provisions for his children were unclear.

Updating his Will would have prevented legal complications, family disputes, and potential financial loss, showing the importance of reviewing a Will regularly.

Tips for Keeping Your Will Current

1. Review after major life events: Marriage, divorce, children, property purchases, or inheritance.

2. Schedule periodic reviews: Every 3–5 years even if life hasn’t changed significantly.

3. Use professional guidance: Solicitors can help ensure updates are legally sound and comprehensive.

4. Keep it accessible: Make sure your executors know where to find the current Will.

Even simple updates ensure your Will continues to reflect your wishes and protects your loved ones effectively.

Conclusion
A Will is only effective if it reflects your current circumstances and intentions. Regular reviews and updates help avoid unintended consequences, disputes, or legal complications, giving you and your family peace of mind.

Next Step: Download our Free Will Guide PDF to ensure your Will is up to date and comprehensive, protecting your loved ones and assets.