When to Update Your Will: Key Life Events You Shouldn’t Ignore

• Posted onJanuary 22, 2026

Updating your Will is one of the simplest ways to protect your family, your assets and your wishes – yet it’s something many people put off for far too long.

A professionally written Will can last for many years if it is drafted properly. As a rule of thumb, it’s sensible to dig out a copy every three to five years to check it still reflects your circumstances. However, there are certain life events where you should update your Will promptly, to avoid unintended consequences and unnecessary stress for your loved ones.

This guide explains when to review your Will, why it matters, and how small updates can make a big difference.

 

Why It’s Important to Update Your Will Regularly

Your Will only works if it reflects your life as it is now – not how it looked ten or twenty years ago.

People often assume their Will would “still do the job”, but changes in family relationships, finances or personal wishes can mean it no longer has the effect they intended. In some cases, an outdated Will can lead to:

• Loved ones being left out unintentionally
• Disputes between family members
• Delays and extra costs for your estate
• Assets passing to the wrong people

Regular reviews help ensure your Will remains clear, valid and aligned with your wishes.

 

Major Life Events That Mean You Should Update Your Will

Certain milestones should trigger an immediate review. These include:

• Marriage or civil partnership – in most cases, this cancels any existing Will
• Divorce or separation
• Having children or grandchildren – including step-children or blended families
• A death in the family – especially if a beneficiary or executor has passed away
• Buying or selling property
• Significant changes to your finances
• Changes to who you trust as an executor or guardian

For example, it is not uncommon for separated couples to forget to update their Wills. This can result in an ex-partner inheriting assets many years later – something most people would not intend.

 

When a Small Change Is Enough: What Is a Codicil?

If your Will still largely reflects your wishes, you may not need to start again from scratch.

A codicil is a legal document that allows you to make minor amendments to your existing Will. This could include:

• Changing an executor
• Adding or removing a beneficiary
• Updating specific gifts

Codicils must be properly drafted and signed to be valid, and they work alongside your original Will. A Legal Practitioner can advise whether a codicil is suitable or whether a new Will would be safer, particularly if several changes are needed.

 

How a Well-Written Will Can Stand the Test of Time

A professionally drafted Will is designed to be flexible and robust. Clear wording, sensible contingency planning and an understanding of family dynamics all help ensure it remains effective for many years.

That said, even the best Will should be reviewed periodically. Family structures change, relationships evolve and priorities shift. Reviewing your Will every few years gives you peace of mind that it still does what you want it to do.

This is often where cheap online, or DIY Wills fall down. They don’t take into account changes to current circumstances or foresee future issues that an experienced Legal Practitioner would identify.

 

Real-Life Examples of Why Updating Your Will Matters

A parent remarries but never updates their Will, leaving everything to their new spouse and unintentionally excluding their children from a previous relationship.

A grandparent assumes step-children will inherit automatically, but without specific wording, they receive nothing.

An executor moves abroad or becomes unable to act, causing delays and complications after death.

These situations are far more common than people realise – and are usually easy to avoid with timely advice.

 

A Simple Rule of Thumb

If you’re unsure whether you need to update your Will, ask yourself: “If something happened to me tomorrow, would my Will still reflect my wishes today?”

If the answer is anything other than a confident “yes”, it’s time for a review.

 

Advice on Updating Your Will

Reviewing or updating your Will doesn’t have to be complicated. A short conversation with a Legal Practitioner in our Wills, Trusts and Probate team can help you understand whether a small amendment is enough, or whether a fresh Will would give you better peace of mind. Getting it right now can make things much easier for those you leave behind.

Simply complete the enquiry form on this page or call us on 01453 847200.

 

Disclaimer: The content of this website blog is for general awareness and insight. This is not legal or professional advice and readers should not act upon the information provided, they should seek professional advice based on their own particular circumstances. The law may have changed since this article was published.