How Often Should You Update Your Will?

Life changes quickly. Find out how often you should update your will and why keeping it up to date protects your family and assets.

How Often Should You Update Your Will?

You should review your will every three to five years or whenever your personal or financial circumstances change. Major life events can make a will outdated or ineffective, which may lead to unintended consequences for your loved ones.

When Should You Update Your Will?

A will should be reviewed regularly to ensure it still reflects your wishes and complies with current law. As a general rule, solicitors recommend reviewing your will every three to five years, even if nothing significant has changed.

Regular reviews help ensure your executors, beneficiaries, and instructions remain appropriate and that your will continues to meet your needs.

Life Events That Mean You Should Update Your Will

Certain events should always prompt a will review. These include marriage, divorce, separation, or entering into a civil partnership. Marriage usually revokes an existing will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage.

You should also update your will if you have children or grandchildren, buy or sell property, receive an inheritance, or if a beneficiary or executor dies. These changes can affect how your estate is distributed and who is responsible for administering it.

What Happens If You Do Not Update Your Will?

An outdated will can cause confusion, disputes, or financial hardship for those left behind. For example, it may leave assets to someone you no longer intend to benefit or fail to provide for new family members.

In some cases, parts of a will may no longer be valid or workable. This can result in delays, additional legal costs, or the intestacy rules applying to part of your estate.

Does the Law Changing Affect My Will?

Changes in tax rules or inheritance law may affect how your estate is treated. While most wills remain valid when the law changes, they may no longer be tax-efficient or achieve the outcome you intended.

A solicitor can review your will and advise whether updates are needed to reflect current legislation or best practice.

How Easy Is It to Update a Will?

Updating a will does not always mean starting again. Small changes can often be made using a codicil, which is a legal document that amends part of an existing will.

If your circumstances have changed significantly, creating a new will is usually the safest option. A solicitor can advise which approach is best for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I review my will if nothing has changed?

Every three to five years to ensure it still reflects your wishes and current law.

Does marriage cancel my will?

Yes, marriage usually revokes a will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage.

Can I update my will myself?

Minor changes should not be handwritten onto a will. Changes must be made properly to remain legally valid.

Is it expensive to update a will?

Updating a will is often simpler and more cost-effective than dealing with problems after death.

Updating Your Will in the UK

Keeping your will up to date ensures that your wishes are followed and that your family is protected. Regular reviews can prevent unnecessary stress, disputes, and delays in the future.

For advice on wills and joint property ownership, contact RJM Solicitors. Call 01685 37 37 21 or email info@rjmsolicitors.co.uk to arrange a consultation with our Wills and Probate team.