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When to Update Your Will: The Essential Life Events Checklist (UK Guide 2025)

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Most people write their will once and assume the job is done. But life changes quickly — and if your will doesn’t keep up, it can fail to protect the people and assets you care about. An outdated will can even trigger disputes or pass your estate to the wrong people.

In this guide, we explain exactly when to update your will. Use our life events checklist to make sure your wishes always match your circumstances, and discover how Town & Country Law’s Will Writing Services can help you keep your estate plan watertight.


In this guide we cover the following:
  1. Why Updating a Will Matters
  2. The Life Events Checklist
  3. How Often Should You Review Your Will?
  4. Common Mistakes When Updating a Will
  5. How Town & Country Law Can Help
  6. FAQs
  7. Conclusion

Why Updating a Will Matters

Your will is a living document. It reflects not just what you own, but who you want to protect. Over time:

  • Families grow or change.
  • Relationships evolve.
  • Assets increase, decrease, or shift.
  • Laws and tax rules change.

Failing to update your will can mean:

  • Accidentally excluding a child or grandchild.
  • Leaving assets to an ex‑spouse.
  • Appointing an executor who has died or can’t act.
  • Overlooking new property or business interests.

Real‑world example: Someone divorces but doesn’t update their will. Their ex‑spouse is treated as if they died before them — but if no replacement beneficiary is named, assets may fall under intestacy rules, creating disputes.

For more detail, see Wills & Divorce: Redrafting Tips.


The Life Events Checklist

Below are the 10 most common life events that should trigger a will review or update.

1. Marriage or Civil Partnership

In England and Wales, marriage or civil partnership revokes your existing will, unless it was made “in contemplation of marriage.” If you’ve married since writing your last will, you almost certainly need a new one.

2. Divorce or Separation

Divorce does not revoke a will. Instead, your ex‑spouse is treated as if they died before you. But unless you update, your estate plan may have gaps or unintended beneficiaries. Learn more in our guide on Wills & Divorce.

3. Having Children or Grandchildren

Children and grandchildren bring new responsibilities. Update your will to:

4. Buying or Selling Property

Your property is often your largest asset. Any major purchase, sale, or change in ownership should be reflected in your will to ensure your estate is distributed correctly.

5. Starting or Selling a Business

If you own a business, succession planning is critical. You need to decide:

  • Who inherits or controls your shares.
  • How the business should be valued and managed.
  • Whether a trust is required.

This is a complex area — and a fresh will ensures business continuity.

6. Receiving an Inheritance or Significant Financial Change

If you inherit money, receive compensation, or see a major change in your finances, review how these assets are handled in your will. This is also an opportunity to optimise for inheritance tax.

7. Executor Dies or Becomes Unable to Act

Executors play a vital role: gathering assets, paying debts, distributing inheritance. If your executor passes away or becomes unsuitable, update your will quickly. See our guide: What Happens If Your Executor Dies Before You.

8. New Relationships or Blended Families

Step‑children do not automatically inherit under UK intestacy law. To provide for them, they must be explicitly named in your will. Updating your will is vital for avoiding family disputes.

9. Moving Abroad or Acquiring Overseas Assets

Owning property or assets abroad may create cross‑border legal issues. You may need a separate will for each jurisdiction. Always review your UK will when moving overseas or acquiring international property.

10. Change in Tax Laws or Estate Planning Goals

Tax rules evolve. Regular reviews ensure your estate plan remains efficient. If you’re considering asset protection or tax planning, see our Asset Trusts Guide.


How Often Should You Review Your Will?

Even if none of the major life events above apply, it’s wise to review your will every 3–5 years. Circumstances and laws shift subtly over time, and a quick check ensures your will is still fit for purpose.

Common Mistakes When Updating a Will

  • Using DIY Codicils: A codicil is a legal amendment, but without expert help it can conflict with your existing will.
  • Failing to Re‑sign Properly: Any updated will must be signed and witnessed correctly.
  • Leaving Multiple Versions: Old wills can cause confusion. Destroy outdated copies when a new will is made.

How Town & Country Law Can Help

At Town & Country Law, we make updating your will simple, affordable, and legally secure:

FAQs

Do I need a new will or just a codicil?
Codicils can work for minor changes, but a new will is safer when major life events occur.

How much does it cost to update a will?
Prices vary, but Town & Country Law offers professional will updates for £47.

What if my will is old but still valid?
It may technically be valid, but outdated provisions can cause disputes. A review is strongly recommended.

Can I update my will myself?
Yes, but errors are common. Professional review ensures validity and avoids problems.

Conclusion

Your will should grow with you. Major life changes — from marriage and children to property and business — are all signals to review your estate plan. By keeping your will up to date, you protect your loved ones, reduce disputes, and gain peace of mind.

Take action today. Contact Town & Country Law’s Will Writing Services to review or update your will with expert support.


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