Why you should be updating a will

Regular will reviews help ensure your wishes are still accurately reflected and legally valid. Think that writing your will is one of those things that you should do once and then forget about? Time to think again! It’s better to imagine your Will as a living document, which can adapt with you as you go through life. When circumstances change, it’s time to consider how your will might need to be altered.

When should you update a will?

You should update your will whenever significant changes occur in your life. These changes could be a change in your family situation, financial circumstances, or personal wishes. We will explain key moments when reviewing your will is especially important.
 

1. Your family has grown (or shrunk)

With every new addition to your family, there are new people you may wish to consider adding to your will. Aside from children or grandchildren, this could also include a new partner: don’t make the mistake of assuming that cohabiting with somebody gives them inheritance rights.

Similarly, if your relationship or marriage ends then you will probably need to remove your ex-partner from your will. Also consider whether you’ll need to change any appointed role, such as executor or guardian.
 

2. Your estate has grown considerably

If your net worth has increased significantly – perhaps due to inheritance that you’ve received – then you may want to rethink the way that your assets are distributed. For instance, it may give you the chance to pass money on to people or charities who were originally left out of your will. There could also be new tax implications – a qualified will writer will be able to advise you.
 

3. Beneficiaries have grown up or passed on

You may have originally written your will to protect your children as minors. This means it might no longer be appropriate once they fly the nest. Trustee and guardian information, in particular, will become outdated – and instead you’ll probably want to think about how your estate will be distributed between your children and other beneficiaries.

There's also the possibility that you have a beneficiary who has passed away since you first wrote your will. Unless you have already appointed an alternative, you may wish to redistribute these assets. You could also take the opportunity to name alternative beneficiaries throughout the rest of your will, in case of a similar situation in the future.
 

4. You’re concerned about potential disputes

If you’ve made the decision to cut somebody out of your will, or you have an estranged spouse you think may consider contesting your wishes, then you need to take steps to help secure it against dispute. An expert will be able to review your existing will and consider if any changes are needed.

Do be aware that, while you can make your wishes clear in your will, a dispute may still go ahead.

5. You’ve simply changed your mind

Perhaps you've simply decided to reconsider a decision that you made in the past - and that's fine too. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the first decision you made – potentially many years ago – is set in stone. If you want to update your will for any reason then you absolutely can, and probably should.
 

How often should a will be updated?

It’s recommended that you review your will every two years. That’s because it’s important to make sure it and the wishes within are up to date, especially if you or your beneficiaries’ circumstances have changed.
 

What are some factors that could affect your will update?

These are some of the events that might prompt you to have a fresh look at your plans for your estate.

• Getting married. Any existing will you have is automatically cancelled when you marry in England or Wales.
• Getting divorced. Unlike marriage, a pre-existing will isn’t automatically cancelled when you divorce. Again, you may want to have a look at yours.
• Grandchildren. If your children have new arrivals, you might want to make specific provision for them.
• Buying a house. Whether moving on up or downsizing, it’s good to mention any new property in your will.
• Losing a loved one. You may want to make an update, especially if they’re a named beneficiary or an executor.
• Coming into some money. If you’ve inherited money or property, or even had a lottery win, make sure you say who you want to leave it to.
• Changes in law. The laws and taxes affecting wills and trusts are often amended. A regular professional review will make sure any new developments don’t catch you out.

How to get advice on renewing your will

Reviewing your will doesn’t have to be complicated. Our qualified estate planners can give you specialist help with no pressure to proceed. We also offer unlimited after sales care, so if you need any further help, we’re always only a phone call away. You can book a callback with Key’s specialist estate planner. We are happy to talk with you about your options.
 

Updating will FAQs

Can I make changes to my will without a solicitor?

Yes – for minor updates, you can attach a codicil to your existing will and sign and witness it yourself, without needing a solicitor. According to the UK government website on updating a will, there is no legal requirement to use a solicitor for changes. However, costs and formalities can vary, so it’s best to speak with a will-writing expert before proceeding.

Is it cheaper to update a will or make a new one?

Adding a codicil, which is a legal document that makes small changes to your will, is usually cheaper than paying for a brand‑new will, but if you need several or major changes the cost difference narrows and a fresh will may be clearer. Prices differ by provider, so discuss the options with a professional.

What is the easiest way to update a will?

For small changes, the simplest method is to draft a codicil that’s signed and witnessed like your original will; for substantial updates, writing a new will is often easier in the long run. Every situation is unique, so discussing with an experienced will writer can ensure you pick the right approach.

At Key, we’re here to help. Our expert team can guide you through the estate planning process - from wills to lasting powers of attorney - helping you make confident decisions about your future.

These pages give a general overview of the issues surrounding estate planning and are based on our understanding of the current law and tax regulation in England and Wales, which may be subject to change. Will’s & LPA’s are not regulated by the FCA.