Let’s be honest, life doesn’t stand still. Relationships shift, homes are bought and sold, and assets grow or shrink. Yet many people treat their Will like a one-time job: written, signed, and forgotten. That’s a mistake. Your Will is not just a legal formality; it’s your voice when you’re no longer here. For your voice to be heard, it needs to be kept up to date.

So, when should you update it?

Whenever life changes - update your Will.

If you’ve moved house, entered a new relationship, had children or bought (or sold) significant assets, then it’s time to review your Will.

These changes can affect who inherits what, and how smoothly your estate is handled. For example, if you’ve sold a specific asset, say, your home at 12 Oak Lane; and your Will still says “I leave my house at 12 Oak Lane to my daughter,” that gift will fail. Legally, it’s called ademption. The asset no longer exists, so the gift can’t be fulfilled. Your daughter wouldn’t receive the sale proceeds unless you’ve made that clear elsewhere in your Will.

This is even more important if you have a blended family, for example, following a separation or if you are in an unmarried relationship.

Without an up-to-date Will, your true wishes can fall through the cracks, leaving your loved ones in financial difficulty and, sometimes, benefitting ex-partners or distant relatives instead.

It’s not just about money - it’s about clarity.

Updating your Will isn’t just about keeping up with your finances. It’s about making sure your wishes are clear and legally valid.

Your Will does not just give details of inheritances, it also gives you chance to choose who you want to act as your Executors to deal with your estate when you are gone and to explain your funeral wishes.

You might want to include a new partner, exclude someone who’s no longer close or replace an Executor who has since passed away. These are personal decisions, and your Will should speak for you accurately.

Think of your will as a living document.

Just like your life, your Will should evolve. A good rule of thumb? Review it every five years, or sooner if something major happens. That includes:

• Moving house
• Getting married or divorced
• Having children or grandchildren
• Acquiring or selling valuable assets
• Changes in your relationships or financial situation

Don’t worry - it’s easier than you think.

You don’t always need to start from scratch. For small updates, a codicil (a formal amendment) might do the trick. But if you’re making big changes, it’s usually best to write a new Will. Either way, make sure it’s signed and witnessed properly. And if you’ve shared copies of your old Will, make sure those are replaced with the updated version.

Final thought: Updating your will is an act of care.

It’s not just about ticking legal boxes - it’s about protecting your loved ones from confusion, disputes and unnecessary stress. By keeping your Will current, you’re giving them clarity, peace of mind and a legacy that truly reflects your wishes.

For more information or to discuss your requirements please contact our experts.

Paul Mounce, Samantha Turner, Reece Thompson & Samantha Willingham