Keeping your Will up to date is just as important as making one.
Life changes quickly, and an out-of-date Will can lead to disputes, higher Inheritance Tax, or unintended outcomes for the people you care about most.
If you're wondering when you should update your Will, how often it needs reviewing, or what changes require a new Will, this guide explains everything you need to know.
If you need help reviewing or updating your Will, our will-writing team can assist.
How Often Should You Update Your Will?
As a general rule, you should review your Will every three years, or sooner if your life circumstances change.
Although your Will remains legally valid until replaced, it can quickly become outdated.
Regular reviews ensure your wishes are still accurately reflected and reduce the risk of legal challenges under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Key Reasons to Update or Change Your Will
Your Will should be updated whenever your personal, financial, or family situation changes.
Below are the most common reasons.
1. Family or Relationship Changes
Major life events are one of the biggest indicators that your Will needs updating.
You should review your Will if:
- You get married, separated or divorced
- A child or grandchild is born
- A beneficiary divorces, remarries, or dies
- You become estranged from someone named in your Will
- You reconcile with someone previously excluded
Separation and divorce
If you separate but are not yet divorced, your spouse or civil partner may still inherit under your existing Will.
Immediate action is essential to prevent unintended inheritance.
2. Significant Changes in the Value of Your Estate
Your Will should reflect what you currently own — not what you owned years ago.
Estate values commonly change due to:
- Buying or selling a propert
- Care home fees
- Investment growth or losses
- Inheritance received
- Starting or selling a business
- New debts
For example:
If your estate has reduced from £500,000 to £100,000 due to care fees, a previously modest £50,000 gift might now represent half your entire estate, which may no longer reflect your priorities.
Learn more about Inheritance Tax planning.
3. Older Wills Made Before 2008 or 2017
If your Will was made:
- Before 2008, or
- Before 2017
…it may contain outdated tax-planning trusts.
Before 2008, many married couples used nil-rate band discretionary trusts to reduce Inheritance Tax.
Following changes in 2008 and further reforms in 2017, these trusts often increase the tax bill rather than reduce it.
If your Will was prepared before these changes, a professional review is essential.
4. Changes to Executors or Trustees
Executors must be trustworthy, capable, and willing to act.
You should update your Will if an executor:
- Has died
- Is unwell or elderly
- No longer has a close relationship with you
- Has moved abroad
- Is financially irresponsible
- No longer wishes to act
A poorly chosen executor can delay or complicate probate.
5. To Reduce the Risk of Family Disputes
If someone has been excluded from your Will — or had their inheritance reduced — your Will must be:
- Clear
- Current
- Professionally drafted
- Updated at reasonable intervals
The longer a Will remains unreviewed, the easier it is for an excluded family member to claim that your feelings changed before you died.
Regular updates strengthen the defence of your true wishes.
Should You Use a Codicil or Make a New Will?
A codicil is a document that amends an existing Will.
However, codicils are often not recommended because:
- They become public documents when probate is issued
- They may create confusion if multiple codicils exist
- They can reveal previous gift amounts
- They can cause family tensions if they reduce someone's inheritance
For most people, making a new Will is clearer, safer, and legally stronger.
Related guidance: What Is a Codicil?
When Should You Update Your Will? — Quick Checklist
Update your Will if:
- You get married, separated, or divorced
- You have a new child or grandchild
- Someone named in your Will dies
- You buy or sell a property
- Your estate value changes significantly
- A beneficiary becomes unsuitable
- Tax laws change
- You start or close a business
- You fall out with or reconcile with someone
- You want to reduce the risk of disputes
Contact Our Will Writing Solicitors
If you would like to review or update your Will, please contact our Private Client team by calling 0207 936 6329 or by emailing info@monangozzett.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Updating a Will (UK)
How often should you update your Will in the UK?
Every three to five years, or sooner if you experience major life changes such as marriage, divorce, having children, or significant changes in estate value.
When should you update your Will after marriage or divorce?
Immediately. Marriage can revoke a Will unless it is written "in contemplation of marriage," and separation does not prevent a spouse from inheriting until the divorce is final.
Do I need a solicitor to update my Will?
Not legally, but professional advice ensures your new Will is valid, correctly signed, tax-efficient, and reduces the risk of disputes.
Can I write on my existing Will to update it?
No. Handwritten changes can invalidate the Will. Always update it using a new Will or a properly executed codicil.
What is the best way to update a Will?
For most people, the safest method is to create a new Will, especially if multiple changes are needed or someone’s inheritance is being altered.
What changes mean I should update my Will?
Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, buying property, major financial changes, tax changes, or shifts in relationships or intentions.
Do I need to update my Will if I buy a house?
Yes. Property ownership is often the largest part of an estate and should be accurately reflected in your Will.
How much does it cost to update a Will in the UK?
Costs vary depending on complexity, but Monan Gozzett offers free Will reviews and fixed fees for new Wills.
Can I update my Will if I no longer speak to someone named in it?
Yes, and you should. Leaving outdated beneficiaries in place increases the risk of disputes or claims.
How do I update my Will after having children?
You should update your Will as soon as you become a parent or grandparent, to add beneficiaries, appoint guardians, and protect your family.
Please note that we are unable to offer free legal advice. Our client services team are here to take your case details and explain any costs involved
If you would like to speak to our expert legal team about this, or any related subject then please contact our team by phone on 0207 936 6329, Email or by completing our Quick Contact Form below.
Please note that we are unable to offer free legal advice. Our client services team are here to take your case details and explain any costs involved