This article is written for people in England and Wales. Different rules can apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland; if you live there, check local guidance or seek specialist advice.
A will is a caring document — it organises how the things you love are looked after, and it gives peace of mind to those you leave behind. GOV.UK encourages people to treat a will like other important routines: review it at least every five years, or sooner after life changes, not because five years is a legal “deadline”, but because life often moves on in ways that matter to your wishes and those of your family GOV.UK: make a will and updating your will.
Why a five‑year check is a gentle, sensible habit
– Time brings new relationships, changes in health, different homes, new financial arrangements and children arriving or growing up. A regular check is a simple way to make sure your will still reflects the people and things that matter.
– It is not a legal expiry date for a will — rather, the five‑year rhythm is a helpful prompt to prevent unintended outcomes and keep your legacy aligned with your values GOV.UK: make a will.
Life changes that commonly call for a review
– Relationships: Marriage normally revokes a will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage; this is a legal point to check if you marry GOV.UK: updating your will. If you divorce or your civil partnership is legally dissolved, legal rules mean gifts in your will to your former partner are treated as if they had died on the date of the divorce or dissolution — so it’s important to review and update the wording to reflect your wishes GOV.UK: updating your will.
– Executors and trustees: People named to administer your estate may become unable or unwilling to act, or your relationship with them may change. Reviewing every few years lets you confirm that your chosen executors remain the right people.
– Assets: Property, investments, pensions, businesses and digital assets can change in value, form or ownership. New possessions or inherited assets may need explicit instructions.
– Addresses and possessions: Moving house or acquiring sentimental items you want to pass on makes a review sensible so gifts are still clear and deliverable.
– Children and dependants: Births, changes in care arrangements, and children reaching adulthood can all affect who you want to appoint as guardians and who should benefit from your estate.
How to update a will carefully and legally
– Formality matters. Any signed change must follow the legal signing and witnessing rules for wills; an informal note or crossing out is not a safe or reliable way to alter a will GOV.UK: make sure your will is legal.
– Small changes can be made by a codicil, but a codicil must be signed and witnessed in the same way as a will, so it is still a formal document GOV.UK: make sure your will is legal.
– Many people find that major changes are clearer and safer if handled by writing a new will that revokes earlier wills; GOV.UK notes that creating a new will is a common approach for significant revisions GOV.UK: updating your will.
An illustrative composite scenario
Mrs A made a will eight years ago, naming her sister as executor and leaving her flat to a close friend. Since then she married, moved to a bigger house and now has two grandchildren she would like to provide for. Following the five‑year check routine, she reviewed her will, consulted a solicitor and decided to make a new will that appointed a professional executor and included specific gifts for the grandchildren. This example shows how reviewing protects relationships and removes uncertainty.
A caring approach to review
Think of the five‑year check as an act of love: it reduces stress for those you leave behind, prevents unintended results and keeps your instructions straightforward and current. You do not have to overhaul your will every five years — often a brief check with notes to yourself and an adviser is enough.
Practical next steps
– Put a reminder in your calendar for a five‑year review, and sooner after any major life event (marriage, divorce, new child, move, significant change in assets).
– Read GOV.UK guidance on when to update and on legal signing and witnessing requirements GOV.UK: updating your will, GOV.UK: make sure your will is legal.
– Never rely on informal handwritten changes to a signed will; for minor alterations consider a codicil (with proper signing and witnessing), and for major changes consider a new will GOV.UK: make sure your will is legal.
– Keep the original will in a safe place and tell your executors where it is stored.
Legal-information disclaimer
This article provides general information about wills in England and Wales and is not legal advice. For personal legal advice about your circumstances, contact a qualified solicitor or legal adviser. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Sources
- GOV.UK, Make a will: https://www.gov.uk/make-will
- GOV.UK, Make sure your will is legal: https://www.gov.uk/make-will/make-sure-your-will-is-legal
- GOV.UK, Updating your will: https://www.gov.uk/make-will/updating-your-will