Updating Your Will: When life events require a review
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Life changes — and your will should change with it.
A will is not something you write once and forget. Life changes — and your will should change with it.
Most people don't realise that major life events can completely alter how an estate passes, who is protected, and who is left out unintentionally.
A quick review every few years can prevent disputes, delays, or unexpected outcomes later.
This guide explains when you should update your will, why it matters, and how to do it simply and effectively.
How often should you review your will?
A good rule of thumb:
Review your will every 3–5 years, or after any major life event.
You may not need a full rewrite every time — sometimes a small update is enough.
But ignoring big life changes can leave your estate plan out of step with reality.
Life events that should trigger a will review
- Marriage or entering a civil partnership
In England and Wales, marriage revokes your will (with limited exceptions).
If you get married and don't rewrite your will, you could accidentally die intestate — meaning your spouse inherits under the statutory rules.
- Divorce or separation
After a divorce, your ex is treated as if they died before you.
This can disrupt:
- substitute gifts
- guardianship provisions
- executors
- trust arrangements
If you've separated but not divorced, your ex may still inherit unless you update your will.
- New children or grandchildren
You may want to:
- include newborns
- appoint guardians
- create trusts
- protect vulnerable beneficiaries
- adjust age restrictions
A significant change in the family tree needs a clear, updated plan.
- Buying or selling a home
New property can affect:
- the size of your estate
- who inherits what
- whether trusts or tax planning are needed
- how jointly-owned property passes
A big purchase is always a good time to review your will.
- Starting or selling a business
Business assets often need:
- special clauses
- succession planning
- trusts
- shareholder agreements
- consideration of valuation and tax
A standard will may not protect what you've built.
- Moving in with a partner
Unmarried partners do not inherit automatically.
Living together changes financial interdependence — and your will should reflect that.
- Financial changes
A lottery win, inheritance, pension shift, investment change, or even downsizing can all create new opportunities (or risks) in your estate plan.
- Bereavement
If a beneficiary, executor, or trustee dies, your will may need rewriting to fill gaps or adjust how the estate is distributed.
- Changing relationships
Falling out, reconciling, or new connections — your will should match your current intentions, not old memories.
Most sad probate stories begin with “the will was never updated”.
Do you need a new will or just a codicil?
You can update a will by:
Codicil (small amendment)
Useful for:
- changing executors
- updating a gift
- adjusting guardians
- adding a small legacy
New will (complete rewrite)
Better for:
- major changes
- complex estates
- planning for care fees or IHT
- divorces and marriages
- big family changes
- rewriting unclear or outdated documents
If in doubt, a new will is usually the cleaner option.
What happens if you don't update your will?
Your estate may:
- go to the wrong people
- leave someone out unintentionally
- create disputes between family members
- trigger avoidable tax
- appoint executors who have died or are unsuitable
- cause delays and emotional stress
Most sad probate stories begin with "the will was never updated".
How QLAW can help
We offer:
- quick will reviews
- codicils for small changes
- full rewrites where needed
- complex estate planning for property, business or blended families
- guidance on tax-efficient planning
- advice on trusts, guardianship and vulnerable beneficiaries
A will review is simple, inexpensive, and gives long-term peace of mind.
Final thought
A will should move with your life — like a compass quietly adjusting to a new direction.
When life shifts, even subtly, your estate plan should shift with it.
Taking a moment to review it now can save your family confusion, conflict, and heartache later.
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