Many people make a will, file it away safely, and assume the job is done. In reality, a will is not a document you write once and forget. As your life changes, your will should change with it.
An outdated will can fail to protect the people you care about most, create uncertainty for your family, or lead to outcomes you never intended. Regular reviews help ensure your wishes remain clear, legally valid, and appropriate for your current circumstances.
Below, we explain when you should review or update your will, why it matters, and how often it should be done.
How often should you review your will?
As a general rule, it is sensible to review your will every three to five years, even if nothing significant appears to have changed. Laws, finances, and family dynamics can shift gradually, and a short review can confirm that everything still works as intended.
You should also review your will promptly after any major life event. Not every review results in a full rewrite – sometimes a small update is enough – but ignoring changes can leave your estate plan out of step with reality.
Life events that should trigger a will review
Marriage or civil partnership
In England and Wales, getting married or entering a civil partnership automatically revokes an existing will, unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage. Without a new will in place, your estate would pass under the rules of intestacy. Newly married couples should always review or make a new will to ensure their wishes are protected.
Separation or divorce
Separation alone does not affect a will, which means a spouse may still inherit unless the will is updated. Divorce does not revoke a will either, but it treats a former spouse as having died. This can create gaps or unintended outcomes if substitute beneficiaries or executors are not named. Reviewing your will during separation or after divorce is strongly advisable.
Having children or grandchildren
Children are not automatically included in a will. Updating your will allows you to appoint guardians, provide for children financially, and make suitable arrangements if they are minors. It is also an opportunity to include grandchildren or make fair adjustments as families grow. Step-children must be named explicitly if you wish them to benefit.
Buying or selling property
Property is often the most valuable asset in an estate. Purchasing, selling, or changing ownership of a property should prompt a will review, particularly where property is jointly owned. How a property is held – as joint tenants or tenants in common – affects how it passes on death.
Changes in financial circumstances
Receiving an inheritance, building a business, retiring, downsizing, or significant changes in savings or investments can all affect how your estate should be structured. A review ensures that gifts remain affordable, beneficiaries are treated appropriately, and tax planning remains suitable.
Death or incapacity of an executor or beneficiary
Executors play a crucial role in administering an estate. If someone named in your will has died or is no longer able or willing to act, updating your will helps avoid delays and confusion. The same applies if a beneficiary dies, as their gift may need to be redirected.
New relationships or blended families
Cohabiting partners do not automatically inherit under intestacy rules. Blended families, second marriages, and long-term relationships often require careful planning to balance competing interests fairly. Trusts can sometimes be used to protect a spouse while preserving assets for children.
Moving abroad or acquiring overseas assets
Living overseas or owning property abroad can introduce legal and tax complexities. Different countries have different inheritance rules, and a UK will may not always work as expected. A review helps ensure your estate planning remains effective across borders.
Do you need a new will or just an update?
Small changes can sometimes be made using a codicil, but where there have been multiple changes, family restructuring, or significant asset growth, a new will is often the clearer and safer option. Professional advice helps ensure documents remain consistent, valid, and easy to administer.
What can happen if a will is not updated?
An outdated will can result in assets passing to the wrong people, loved ones being unintentionally excluded, disputes between family members, or unnecessary delays during probate. Many estate problems arise not because a will was badly written, but because it no longer reflected the person’s life at the time of death.
Keeping your will under review with confidence
Reviewing a will is usually straightforward and often quicker than expected. Working with experienced solicitors ensures your wishes are clearly recorded, legally sound, and tailored to your personal and financial circumstances. Wills are also commonly reviewed alongside Lasting Powers of Attorney and wider estate planning to provide complete peace of mind.
With over 175 years of experience advising individuals and families in Spalding, Holbeach, and the surrounding areas, Calthrops takes a practical, personal approach to will reviews and updates.
A will that reflects your life today
Life does not stand still, and neither should your will. Regular reviews help protect your family, reduce uncertainty, and ensure your wishes are respected. If your circumstances have changed – or it has simply been some time since you last looked at your will – now is a sensible time to review it with professional guidance.
If you would like advice on reviewing or updating your will, the team at Calthrops Solicitors LLP is here to help.
