When Should You Update Your Will?

A Will should not be treated as a document you make once and never look at again. It should be reviewed when your personal, family or financial circumstances change.

Important events such as marriage, divorce, having children, buying or selling property, starting or selling a business, or a significant change in your finances can all affect whether your existing Will still reflects your wishes.

Marriage is particularly important because, in most cases, it will revoke an existing Will unless that Will was made in contemplation of the marriage.

Divorce does not automatically revoke the whole Will, but it can affect gifts and appointments involving a former spouse or civil partner.

Changes in the people named in your Will can also matter. If an executor, guardian or beneficiary dies, becomes unsuitable, or your relationship with them changes, it may be sensible to review the document.

Changes to your estate can matter too. If you acquire or dispose of property, build up business interests, or your financial position changes significantly, your Will may no longer distribute your estate in the way you intended.

Reviewing your Will regularly can reduce the risk of outdated instructions, failed gifts or unintended outcomes. It is also a good opportunity to check that any specific gifts still make sense and that the people you want to receive the residual estate are still the right beneficiaries.

At MJV Solicitors, we help clients review and update their Wills when circumstances change and advise on whether a new Will is needed.

For more information about making or updating a Will, read our complete guide to Wills and Estate Planning.