5 Signs It’s Time to Update Your Will

By Newlife Wills – helping Kent families stay protected

Many people believe that once their Will is written, the job is done for life. In reality, your Will should evolve as your circumstances change.

If it’s been a few years since you reviewed yours, here are five clear signs it may be time for an update.

1️⃣ You’ve Moved House

Buying or selling property is one of the biggest triggers for a Will review.

Why it matters:

• Your estate value may have changed

• You may now own property jointly or as tenants in common

• Property Protection Trust planning may now be appropriate

• Your address details will be out of date

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Even if the gift still works legally, outdated property details can cause delays for your executors.

Good practice: Review your Will every time you move.

2️⃣ You’ve Married or Divorced

This is one of the most important and often misunderstood triggers.

Marriage: In England and Wales, marriage usually revokes your existing Will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage.

Divorce: Your Will remains valid, but your ex-spouse is treated as having died before you - which can create unintended gaps.

If your relationship status has changed, your Will should almost certainly be reviewed.

3️⃣ There’s a New Child or Grandchild in the Family

Families grow, and your Will should keep pace.

You may want to:

• Add new beneficiaries

• Update guardians for minor children

• Adjust inheritance shares

• Add age contingencies

• Consider trust planning

  
  

Many grandparents also choose to leave small gifts to grandchildren once the family expands.

4️⃣ Your Executors or Trustees Are No Longer Suitable

People’s circumstances change over time.

It may be time to review if:

• An executor has moved abroad

• Someone has become unwell

• Relationships have changed

• Your chosen person is now elderly

• An executor has died

  
  

Choosing the right executors is crucial for smooth estate administration.

5️⃣ It’s Been More Than 3–5 Years Since Your Last Review

Even if nothing major has changed, laws, tax thresholds and family circumstances can shift over time.

A regular review helps ensure:

• Your wishes are still accurate

• Your Will is tax-efficient

• Your family remains fully protected

• Your executors won’t face unnecessary complications

Think of it as a routine financial health check.

✅ The Good News

Updating your Will is usually straightforward and far easier than families trying to fix problems later.

At Newlife Wills, we offer friendly, no-pressure Will reviews to help Kent families stay fully protected as life changes.

📞 Ready for a quick Will review?

If your circumstances have changed or it’s simply been a while, get in touch with Newlife Wills today on 01843 269165

📍 Local. Family-run. Here when you need us.