Why You Should Review Your Will Regularly

Writing a Will is an important step, but it should not always be a one-time task. Your Will reflects your life at a particular moment: your family, home, finances and priorities. As these change, it is sensible to make sure the document still says what you want it to say.

How often should you review your Will?

Many people choose to review their Will every three to five years, even if nothing major has changed. A regular check gives you time to confirm that executors are still suitable, beneficiaries are correctly named and any gifts remain appropriate.

You should also consider a review after a major change in your life or finances. You may need only a small update, or you may decide a new Will is more suitable. A professional can explain the options and help ensure changes are recorded correctly.

Life events that may mean you should update your Will

Marriage or entering a civil partnership is an important reason to check your Will. In many cases, marriage or civil partnership can revoke an existing Will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage or partnership. It is worth obtaining advice promptly so your wishes remain properly recorded.

Other changes to consider include divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, moving home, buying or selling property, receiving an inheritance, starting or growing a business, or a significant change in savings or investments.

Family changes matter too. The arrival of children or grandchildren may lead you to reconsider who should benefit, whether you want to make specific gifts, and who you would prefer to appoint as guardians for children under 18.

Check the people and roles in your Will

Your Will can name executors to administer your estate, trustees to look after assets held in trust, and guardians for children. Over time, the people you originally chose may move away, become unable to act or simply no longer be the best fit for the role.

A review lets you ask whether each appointment is still practical. You may decide to add a replacement executor or trustee, or update the way people are asked to act together.

Make changes the right way

Avoid writing directly on a signed Will or relying on an informal note to change it. Alterations need to be made in the proper legal form to avoid confusion later. Depending on what you want to change, this might involve a codicil or a new Will.

A Will review can also be a good opportunity to consider Lasting Powers of Attorney. A Will covers wishes after death, whereas LPAs allow you to choose trusted attorneys to support decisions during your lifetime if needed. Together, they can form a thoughtful, joined-up plan.

Keeping your Will up to date is a simple way to keep pace with life. If you are unsure when to update your Will in the UK, get in touch with Nxtgen Wills for a professional Will review and clear guidance on your next steps.