Key Life Events That Mean It’s Time to Update Your Will
Making a will isn’t something you do once and leave forever. It should evolve with your life. Here are the moments that should trigger a review.
Making a will isn't something you do just once and leave forever — it should evolve with your life.
Key times to make or update your will include:
- Marriage or civil partnership — your existing will is usually revoked
- Having children or grandchildren — to ensure they're properly provided for
- Buying property or moving home — to reflect changes in your estate
- Divorce or separation — to remove or change previous beneficiaries
- Receiving an inheritance or windfall — to protect and distribute assets as you wish
- Starting or selling a business — to decide what happens to your share or interest
A good rule of thumb
Read your will every couple of years, and again after any of the events above. It's almost always a small amendment, not a rewrite.
If the names, addresses and relationships in your will still match real life — great, you're fine. If any of them have changed, a short conversation will sort it.
Free checklist: 10 things to sort before you make your will
A one-page PDF I give every client before we meet. Saves time, reduces stress.
— Anita Elliott
Solicitor of England & Wales · Visit Wills · Blackpool
Originally posted on Nextdoor. General information, not legal advice for your specific situation.