The Importance of Regularly Updating Your Will

Writing a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones. But creating it isn’t a one-time job. Life changes—and when it does, your will should change too.

Failing to review and update your will can lead to confusion, disputes, or unintended outcomes. In this guide, we’ll explain why updating your will matters, when to do it, and how to make sure your estate reflects your current wishes.

Why Updating Your Will Matters

Your will is a legal document that directs how your assets should be distributed after your death. But if it’s outdated, it may no longer reflect your circumstances or relationships. This can:

• Leave out new loved ones or beneficiaries
• Cause assets to go to the wrong people
• Lead to family disputes or legal challenges
• Increase the risk of delays or contested probate

Keeping your will up to date protects your family and gives you peace of mind.

When Should You Update Your Will?

There’s no rule for how often to revise your will—but it’s wise to review it at least every 2–3 years or after any significant life event.

Here are key times when updating your will becomes essential:

1. Marriage or Divorce

In England and Wales, getting married automatically revokes a will (unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage). Divorce doesn’t revoke a will, but your ex-spouse is treated as if they’ve died for inheritance purposes.

Update your will after any change in marital status to make sure your assets go where you intend.

2. New Children or Grandchildren

Wills don’t automatically include future children or grandchildren. If you want to ensure they’re provided for—or appoint guardians for minors—you need to update your will accordingly.

3. New Relationships or Estrangements

If your relationships change, your will should too. This includes:

• Starting a long-term relationship (especially if unmarried)
• Falling out with a named beneficiary
• Wanting to include stepchildren or remove someone

Don’t leave these decisions to chance or interpretation.

4. Changes in Financial Situation

Significant increases or decreases in wealth—like selling a property, inheriting money, or starting a business—should prompt a will review. You may want to redistribute assets or update who receives what.

5. Death of a Beneficiary or Executor

If someone named in your will dies, you’ll need to remove or replace them. This includes beneficiaries, executors, or guardians.

Leaving a deceased person in your will can create delays or complications during probate.

6. Moving Abroad or Acquiring Overseas Assets

Different countries have different inheritance laws. If you’ve moved abroad or purchased property outside the UK, get legal advice and update your will to reflect international assets correctly.

7. Tax and Legal Changes

Inheritance tax laws and estate planning regulations evolve. A will that made sense ten years ago may now be inefficient—or even problematic.

A solicitor can help ensure your will takes current rules into account and minimises potential liabilities.

What Happens If You Don’t Update Your Will?

Failing to update your will can have serious consequences. These include:

• Unintended beneficiaries: Assets may go to people you no longer wish to benefit.
• Missed opportunities: New children, partners or causes may be excluded.
• Executor issues: Named executors may no longer be suitable or even alive.
• Family conflict: Ambiguity or surprises can lead to disputes and legal action.
• Inefficient estate distribution: Your estate may face higher tax or avoidable delays.

A will is only as good as the information in it. If it’s outdated, it may not do what you want it to.

How to Update Your Will

1. Small Changes: Use a Codicil

A codicil is a separate legal document that amends part of your existing will—such as changing a beneficiary or executor. It must be signed and witnessed just like your original will.

This is a good option for minor updates, but too many codicils can cause confusion.

2. Major Changes: Write a New Will

For more significant updates—new beneficiaries, revised asset distribution, or changes in marital status—it’s better to write a new will. This ensures clarity and avoids conflicting instructions.

Always include a clause that revokes previous wills, and destroy old copies once the new one is signed.

Common Misconceptions About Updating Wills

“I’ve already made one—why bother again?”

Because life doesn’t stay the same. A will is not a set-and-forget document. Regular reviews are part of responsible planning.

“My estate isn’t that big. I don’t need to update it.”

Even small estates benefit from clear, current instructions. It’s not about size—it’s about avoiding confusion.

“My family knows what I want.”

Wishes that aren’t written down have no legal standing. Without a valid, updated will, your estate could be distributed under intestacy rules.

Tips for Keeping Your Will Up to Date

• Review every 2–3 years, even if nothing major has changed
• Store it safely, ideally with your solicitor or in a will registry
• Tell your executors where to find it
• Keep a list of assets, including digital ones
• Avoid DIY updates—always seek professional advice

How This Links to Probate and Inheritance

An up-to-date will can significantly simplify the probate process. It gives your executors clear instructions, reduces legal complexity, and speeds up access to funds for your loved ones.

At Level, we often work with families where delays and disputes happen due to outdated wills. Probate is already a long process—don’t let an old will make it harder.

How Level Can Help

At Level, we provide Inheritance Advances to beneficiaries and Estate Advances to executors, helping families:

• Access funds before probate is complete
• Pay inheritance tax or funeral costs
• Ease financial stress while managing an estate

We’re here to offer clear, fast, and compassionate support during a difficult time.

Final Thoughts

Updating your will isn’t just a legal task—it’s an act of care. It protects your loved ones, ensures your wishes are honoured, and gives you control in a world of change.