You should review and update your will every few years or whenever a significant change occurs in your life, such as a marriage, divorce, birth of a child or a major shift in your finances or relationships. 

A will reflects your life at the time it is written, and if your circumstances or intentions change, your will needs to change with them. 

An outdated will can result in confusion, unintended consequences or even family disputes after you are gone. Many people write their will once and never look at it again, assuming it will always do the job. However life rarely stays the same, so it is important to keep in mind updating your will.

What counts as a major life change for your will?

• Marriages
• Divorces
• Children
• House moves
• Business ventures
• Inheritances

Certain events should immediately prompt a review of your will. Marriage, for example, automatically revokes a previously written will in England and Wales unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage. 

Divorce does not revoke a will, but it does treat your former spouse as if they had died before you, which can have serious implications for the rest of your estate. 

The birth of children or grandchildren may shift how you want your estate to be divided, or prompt decisions about legal guardianship. 

Moving house or purchasing property, particularly abroad, can also require an update to reflect new assets or jurisdictions.

Why is it risky to let your will go unchanged?

An outdated will can be just as problematic as having no will at all. According to reports, nearly 1 in 10 UK wills are found to be out of date when the person dies, often leading to delays and unnecessary legal fees

Changes to the executors or beneficiaries – If your named executors are no longer alive or willing to act, if your beneficiaries are estranged or deceased, or if your estate has changed substantially in value or structure, your will may no longer reflect your intentions. 

Changes in laws – The law surrounding inheritance, inheritance tax and probate can also evolve over time, which means a perfectly valid will from ten years ago might now carry unexpected tax consequences. 

Changes in small but key details – Even minor oversights, such as forgetting to remove a former partner or update an address, can complicate the probate process for your loved ones.

What if I do not think anything has changed?

Even in the absence of major events, it is still wise to revisit your will every three to five years. 

People drift apart, assets shift hands and priorities evolve. A regular review ensures that your will still makes sense and remains legally sound.

It also gives you a chance to check that everything is properly stored and accessible, including whether your executors know where to find it. The Law Society recommends checking your will periodically even if you do not think anything significant has changed, just to be certain nothing has been overlooked.

Can a will be updated or does it need to be rewritten?

There are two ways to update a will. For small adjustments, such as changing a name or adding a new gift, you can create a codicil, which is a legally recognised amendment to the original will. 

However, for larger or more complex changes, especially those involving beneficiaries, executors or major assets, it is usually better to have a new will drafted and properly signed and witnessed. 

Writing a new will automatically revokes any previous versions, so it is important to destroy older copies to avoid confusion.

What are the signs that your will needs attention?

If you are unsure whether your will needs updating, ask yourself a few things:

• Has anyone you have named as a beneficiary, executor or guardian died or become estranged? 
• Have your financial circumstances changed substantially, through inheritance, debt, property sales or business ventures? 
• Have there been new additions to the family or changes in your relationships? 
• Have you moved abroad or bought property overseas?
• Have your views on who should inherit changed?

If the answer to any of these is yes, your will likely needs to be reviewed by a professional.

Who can help with updating your will?

A solicitor is best placed to guide you through changes to your will, ensuring your updated version is legally valid and clearly expresses your wishes.

They will help you avoid contradictions, accidental revocations or inconsistencies between the original and new documents. 

If you previously used a solicitor to write your will, they may also offer a will review service as part of their client care. Some also store your will securely and can advise on registering it with the National Will Register.

What if I wrote my will using a DIY kit or online tool?

If your original will was created without legal advice, it is especially important to ensure that any updates are correctly handled. Adding a handwritten note or attaching loose pages can invalidate the whole document. 

Any changes must follow the same witnessing rules as the original will. If you are unsure whether your changes will hold up in court, it is strongly advised to seek legal help before attempting any edits.

Why does regularly updating your will matter?

Keeping your will current is a vital part of responsible estate planning. It ensures your assets go where you want them to, avoids unnecessary stress for your loved ones, and reduces the risk of disputes or complications after your death. 

As your life changes, your will should evolve as an act of care for those you leave behind!