Creating a Will is an important step—but it’s not something you should do once and forget. Life changes, and your Will should reflect those changes to ensure it remains valid and aligned with your wishes.
How often should you review your Will?
As a general rule, it’s wise to review your Will every 3–5 years. However, certain life events mean you should revisit it much sooner.
Key moments to update your Will
You should review or update your Will if you experience:
- Marriage or civil partnership
- Divorce or separation
- The birth of children or grandchildren
- Buying or selling property
- Significant changes in financial circumstances
- The death of a beneficiary or executor
- Changes in tax laws or regulations
In the UK, marriage automatically revokes a Will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage—something many people aren’t aware of.
What happens if you don’t update your Will?
An outdated Will can lead to:
- Assets going to unintended beneficiaries
- Increased inheritance tax
- Family disputes
- Delays in administering your estate
In some cases, parts of your Will may no longer be valid.
Keeping your Will up to date
Updating your Will doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Small changes can often be made through a codicil, while larger changes may require a new Will.
At Carson Hughes, we make reviewing your Will straightforward, ensuring it continues to reflect your life as it evolves.
