When should you update your will?
Making a will can feel like ticking a big, permanent box, but life doesn't stay still, and a will written years ago might no longer reflect what you'd actually want.
1. You've gotten married or entered a civil partnership
Marriage automatically cancels any existing will in England and Wales, unless the will was written specifically in anticipation of that marriage.
2. You've been through a divorce or separation
An ex-spouse is generally treated as though they'd died before you, which can leave gaps depending on how the rest of the will was written.
3. You've had children, or your children have grown up
A will written when your children were toddlers might not reflect what makes sense now they're adults, or if grandchildren have since arrived.
4. Your financial picture has changed significantly
Bought a house, sold a business, or paid off a mortgage? Big financial shifts are a natural prompt to check your will still divides things the way you'd want.
5. Someone named in your will has passed away
Worth updating things so there's no ambiguity about who should step in instead.
Can I just add something to my existing will?
For a small change you can use a codicil, which is a short legal document that adds to or changes your will. It has to be signed and witnessed in the same way as a will. For anything more than a minor tweak, a new will is usually cleaner and avoids confusion later.