When to Update Your Will: Life Events That Require Changes

Your will should reflect your current wishes and circumstances. But how often should you review it, and what changes mean you need to update?

How Often Should You Review Your Will?

As a general rule, review your will every 3-5 years. But certain life events should trigger an immediate review, regardless of when you last looked at it.

Marriage or Civil Partnership

Critical: Getting married or entering a civil partnership automatically revokes any existing will (with limited exceptions).

If you made a will before marriage, you need a new one or your estate will be distributed according to intestacy rules—which may not match your wishes.

Exception: A will made "in contemplation of marriage" to a specific person remains valid. This must be explicitly stated in the will.

Divorce or Dissolution

Divorce doesn't automatically revoke your will, but it does affect gifts to your ex-spouse:

• Any gifts to your former spouse are treated as if they died on the date of divorce
• If your ex was appointed executor, they can no longer act
• The rest of your will remains valid

Action needed: Always make a new will after divorce to ensure your wishes are clear and properly documented.

Birth or Adoption of Children

A new child doesn't revoke your will, but you should update it to:

• Include the new child as a beneficiary
• Consider guardianship arrangements
• Review trust provisions for all children
• Adjust how assets are divided

Tip: Well-drafted wills often include "my children" rather than naming them, automatically including future children. Check your will's wording.

Death of a Beneficiary or Executor

If someone named in your will dies:

• Their gift may pass to their descendants (check your will's provisions)
• Or it may fall into the residue of your estate
• If they were your executor, your substitute executor takes over (if you named one)

Review and update to ensure your intentions are clear.

Moving Abroad or Owning Foreign Property

If you move abroad or acquire property overseas:

• Your UK will may not be valid or effective in the new country
• Foreign property may be subject to "forced heirship" rules
• You may need wills in multiple jurisdictions
• Tax implications can be significant

Seek specialist international estate planning advice.

Significant Changes in Assets

Review your will after:

• Buying or selling property
• Receiving an inheritance
• Starting or selling a business
• Significant increase or decrease in wealth

Your will should reflect your current asset position to ensure gifts can be fulfilled and your estate is distributed fairly.

Changes in Relationships

Non-marital relationship changes also warrant review:

• Moving in with a partner (unmarried partners don't inherit under intestacy)
• Separating from a partner (especially if they're in your will)
• Falling out with family members
• Reconciliation with previously estranged relatives

Changes in Tax Law

Inheritance tax thresholds and rules change periodically. If your estate planning relied on specific tax provisions, review when laws change.

Key areas to watch:

• IHT thresholds (nil rate band, residence nil rate band)
• Business and agricultural property relief
• Trust taxation rules
• Charitable giving incentives

Changes in Executor's Circumstances

Reconsider your executor if they:

• Have died or become seriously ill
• Have moved abroad
• Have developed a conflict of interest
• Are no longer someone you trust
• Are now too old or infirm to act

Your executor needs to be willing and able to administer your estate when the time comes.

How to Update Your Will

Making a New Will

The safest approach for significant changes. Your new will should explicitly revoke all previous wills and codicils.

Making a Codicil

A codicil is a supplement that makes minor changes to an existing will. It must be signed and witnessed with the same formalities as a will.

Codicils are suitable for:

• Changing an executor
• Adding a small gift
• Updating an address

Codicils are not suitable for:

• Major changes to beneficiaries
• Restructuring how assets are distributed
• Multiple changes (creates confusion)

After more than one codicil, make a fresh will for clarity.

What Not to Do

Never Write on Your Will

Don't cross out, write on, or alter your signed will. This can invalidate the whole will or create ambiguity. Any changes need proper execution.

Don't Assume Changes Are Automatic

Your will won't automatically update for new children, changed assets, or other life events. You must actively update it.

Don't Rely on Verbal Wishes

Telling family members your wishes isn't enough. Only what's in your properly executed will counts.

Storing Your Updated Will

When you make a new will:

• Destroy the old will completely (don't just cross it out)
• Store the new will safely
• Tell your executors where to find it
• Consider professional storage (solicitor, Probate Service)

Getting Professional Help

Consider professional help when updating if:

• Your situation is complex (overseas assets, business interests)
• You're changing trust provisions
• There's potential for dispute
• Tax planning is involved

A properly updated will provides peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out.