Updating Your Will – When and Why You Should Review It

Why update your Will?

Writing your Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your future. But making a Will isn’t something you do once and then forget about. Life changes – and when it does, your Will should change with it.

At Newlife Wills, we often remind our clients that keeping your Will up to date is just as important as writing it in the first place.

Why Update Your Will?

Your Will reflects your wishes at a particular point in time. If circumstances shift, your old Will may no longer represent what you want to happen. Without updating it, your estate may not be divided in the way you intend, which can cause confusion, disputes, or even financial hardship for loved ones.

Key Times to Review Your Will

Here are the main life events that should prompt you to revisit your Will:

1. Marriage or Divorce

   In England and Wales, getting married usually invalidates an existing Will, unless it was written “in contemplation of marriage.” Divorce, on the other hand, doesn’t automatically cancel your Will but does affect how your estate is distributed.

   
   

2. New Children or Grandchildren

   If your family grows, you’ll want to ensure that your children or grandchildren are properly provided for in your Will.

   
   

3. Buying or Selling Property

   Major changes to your assets, such as purchasing a home, selling a business, or investing in property, should be reflected in your Will.

   
   

4. The Death of a Beneficiary or Executor

   If someone named in your Will passes away, you’ll need to update it to ensure your estate is still distributed as you intend.

   
   

5. Changes in Relationships

   Whether it’s a new partner, stepchildren, or changes in friendships, relationship shifts may mean you want to update who inherits what.

   
   

6. Significant Financial Changes

   A windfall, inheritance, or a change in your financial position can affect how you’d like your estate to be divided.

   
   

7. Every 2–4 Years as a Rule of Thumb

   Even if nothing major has changed, it’s sensible to review your Will regularly to ensure it still reflects your wishes and current law.

How to Update Your Will

You can update your Will by making a codicil (a formal legal amendment to your existing Will) or by writing a completely new Will. Which option is best depends on the extent of the changes needed. At Newlife Wills, we’ll guide you on the most straightforward and cost-effective route.

A Will that’s out of date can be as risky as having no Will at all. Keeping it current means your wishes are respected, your loved ones are protected, and your estate is handled smoothly.

“As one of our clients, you’ll hear from us every two years so we can check if anything in your circumstances has changed - giving you peace of mind and confidence that your Will always reflects your wishes.” Rob, Newlife Wills Director.

📞 Ready to review your Will? Contact Newlife Wills today, and we’ll make sure your wishes are always up to date - 01843 269165