How often to update your Will and why it matters for gloucestershire residents

• Posted onMarch 31, 2025

Making a Will is a vital step to protect your loved ones, but it shouldn’t be a one-off task. With only 4 in 10 UK adults having a Will, even fewer keep theirs up to date—leaving assets and wishes at risk. Regular reviews ensure your Will reflects your current circumstances and any legal or financial changes.

Sally Jones, a paralegal in our Private Client Department, walks you through how often—and when—you should update your Will.

Recent figures show that around only 4 in 10 UK adults have a Will but often, once a Will has been made, these documents are not reviewed regularly, leaving your loved ones and assets at risk of not being taken care of according to your wishes.

How often should I review my Will?

We would recommend you review your Will every two to five years, but especially when you go through any major life event relating to your family or finances.

When to consider updating your will

• Marriage – your Will may be revoked once you marry or enter into a civil partnership;
• Divorce – the end of a marriage or civil partnership will result in your former spouse or civil partner being treated as they had died before you. This will only take effect once the marriage or civil partnership has been legally dissolved so if you are separated, it is advisable to review your Will;
• Birth or adoption of children – review your Will to ensure your assets are protected to be left to your loved ones and also to consider appointing a guardian for minor children;
• Death of an executor or beneficiary – potential risks of partial intestacy or assets being passed to individuals that you do not wish to benefit.
• Moving abroad – be aware of laws in the country you are moving to and check that any UK assets are protected.

Keeping your will up to date with major financial events

• Purchasing a property – review your Will to ensure what is potentially your biggest asset is left to the beneficiaries that you wish to receive your property;
• Starting a business  – what would you like to happen to any business interests you may have?
• Receiving an inheritance – this may change the Inheritance Tax position for your estate

You should also review your Will regularly if you have a Trust written into your Will, to review if the Trust is appropriate for the intended beneficiary and you should consider how the Trust might be managed and how the assets contained within the Trust are to be passed on.

Changes in UK tax laws that may require you to update your Will.

Changes in UK tax laws could potentially affect your Will and how you decide to distribute your estate.

In October 2024, the government’s budget review made amendments to both Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax.

Inheritance Tax rules determine how much of your estate is subject to Inheritance Tax following your death, so the value of your assets should be reviewed regularly to check if you are exceeding tax thresholds.

If you’re unsure whether your Will needs an update, or if you’d like to review it with expert guidance, feel free to reach out. Email us directly at contact@wspsolicitors.com or use the enquiry form on the side of the page to get in touch with our team. Sally Jones, our paralegal in the Private Client Department, is ready to assist you in ensuring your Will reflects your current circumstances and protects your loved ones.