When Should You Update Your Will?

Seven reasons to review your Will

You do not need to rewrite a Will simply because another year has passed. You should check it when your relationships, property, responsibilities or intentions change. The question is whether the signed document would still produce the result you want.

1. Marriage or civil partnership

In England and Wales, marriage or forming a civil partnership usually revokes an earlier Will, unless it was made in contemplation of that particular marriage or partnership. That can lead to a very different inheritance outcome from the one you expected.

Review your Will before the ceremony or promptly afterwards. Have the wording and the effect on your particular Will checked. Read the HMRC guidance on marriage and Wills.

2. Separation, divorce or a new partner

Separating does not automatically remove names from your Will. Divorce or dissolution has particular legal effects, but the remaining terms may still produce an outcome you would not choose today.

A new relationship can also change whom you want to support. If you and your partner are unmarried, read our guide on what happens to an unmarried partner without a Will. For children from earlier relationships, see Wills for blended families.

3. Children, grandchildren and changing needs

The arrival of a child can change who you want to benefit and whom you would choose as guardian. An adult child's circumstances can change too. Financial vulnerability, disability, divorce or a new family may raise questions that were not relevant when you signed.

Check that the Will names suitable executors, guardians where relevant and substitute beneficiaries. GOV.UK includes having a child among common reasons to update a Will.

4. A new home or change in ownership

A house move, rental property or ownership change can affect how your plans work. If you own a home with somebody else, check whether you are joint tenants or tenants in common. The distinction affects whether the deceased owner's interest passes automatically to the survivor or whether their share can pass under a Will.

Read our full guide to joint tenants and tenants in common and compare your Will with the actual property ownership documents.

5. Business and financial changes

Starting or selling a business, changing shareholdings, inheriting assets, buying investment property or making substantial gifts can change your estate. Business interests should be considered alongside any company articles, shareholders' agreement or partnership agreement. Pension nominations and life policies may also need separate attention.

Read what happens to your business if you die if a company or trading interest is part of your estate. Our Advanced Family Legacy Planning page explains when several planning areas need to be considered together.

6. People named in the Will can no longer act

An executor, guardian or beneficiary may die, become unable to act or no longer be the right choice. Check the names and any substitutes. Speak to those you would like to appoint so they understand the responsibilities and know where the original Will is stored.

If you and a partner made similar Wills, do not assume they are permanently fixed together. Mirror Wills should also be reviewed against your current wishes.

7. You want to change wording or cannot find the original

Do not simply cross out names or write corrections on a signed Will. Changes must be made in a legally valid way. A codicil is a formal amendment that must be properly signed and witnessed; for substantial changes, making a new Will may be clearer.

GOV.UK explains codicils and replacing a Will. If you cannot locate the signed original, find out what is held and where before assuming a copy resolves the issue.

What to bring to a Will review

• Your existing Will and codicils, if you can find them.
• A simple outline of your family and anyone who depends on you.
• Details of how you own your home and other significant property.
• A broad outline of assets, debts, pensions and life cover.
• The people you would trust as executors or guardians.
• What has changed and what you now want to happen.

You do not need to send sensitive financial documents through the initial enquiry form. Start with the question and follow the secure process explained by your adviser.