This article is written for people in England and Wales. Different rules may apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland — if you live there, check the local guidance or seek legal advice.
A will is a loving plan for the people and things you care about. Over time, life changes — and your will may need to reflect those changes so it continues to give you and your family certainty and comfort. Below is a warm, practical checklist of common life events that often prompt a review, with short explanations and clear notes about how to make formal changes.
Why review at all?
– A reviewed will helps reduce family uncertainty and the risk of disputes at a difficult time.
– Small practical updates bring peace of mind and reinforce that your wishes match your circumstances.
The life-event checklist
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Marriage or civil partnership
– Marriage usually revokes an earlier will unless the will was made specifically in contemplation of that marriage. If you marry and want your existing will to stand, you should check whether it was written to reflect your upcoming marriage and update it if necessary see gov.uk guidance. -
Separation or divorce (and dissolution of civil partnership)
– Divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership has a specific legal effect: it will, in general, revoke any gift or appointment of your former spouse or civil partner under your will (for example, gifts or naming them as executor). Other parts of the will remain, unless the will shows a contrary intention see gov.uk guidance. Because these changes can be emotionally charged, many people make a clear new will after divorce to avoid uncertainty. -
Children (birth, adoption, or new dependants)
– The arrival of a child or the addition of dependants is a key moment to think about guardianship, trustees and financial provision. Even if your will already mentions children, it’s sensible to review it when family grows. -
Moving home or substantial changes in property
– Buying, selling or moving to a different home can affect who you want to benefit and how your estate is distributed. Review property details and any specific bequests that reference an address or particular item. -
Significant changes in assets or financial circumstances
– If you inherit, sell a business, receive a lump sum, or give away significant assets, your estate landscape changes. That can alter how you want to divide things and whether tax or succession issues should be considered — check relevant guidance and financial advice where needed see HMRC guidance for tax-related matters. -
Changes to executors, trustees or guardians
– Executors and trustees need to be able and willing to act. If someone you named dies, moves abroad, becomes unwell, or you simply change your mind, update those appointments so the people you trust are in place. -
Five-year (and regular) reviews
– Even without a life event, a simple periodic check — commonly every five years — helps ensure that names, assets and wishes are up to date. This is about maintaining clarity and reassurance for those you love.
Codicils versus making a new will
– A codicil is a formal document used to add or change small parts of an existing will. It must be signed and witnessed in the same way as a will to be valid see gov.uk guidance on how to make a legal will. For larger or multiple changes, most people make a new will — it avoids confusion and helps present a single, clear statement of your wishes see updating guidance.
Important practical points
– Never make informal changes (such as adding handwritten notes or crossing things out) to a signed will. Informal alterations can cause confusion and may not be legally effective; formal changes require proper signing and witnessing see gov.uk guidance.
– Witnessing: both wills and codicils must be signed and witnessed according to the legal requirements to ensure they are effective see gov.uk guidance.
Illustrative composite scenario
– Anne and Mark married in 2016; Anne’s will predates the wedding. On marriage, Anne reviewed her will and decided to write a new one to name guardians for future children and update executors. This is an illustrative composite scenario to show how life events often prompt a full rewrite rather than minor adjustments.
Practical next steps
– Make a short list of recent life changes that affect your wishes.
– If changes are small and straightforward, discuss a codicil with a solicitor — remembering it must be signed and witnessed like a will.
– For major or multiple changes, consider making a new will so there is a single clear document.
– Keep your executors and family informed about where your will and important documents are stored.
– When in doubt, seek professional legal advice to ensure your wishes are put in order.
Legal information disclaimer
This article provides general information for England and Wales and is not legal advice. Different rules apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. For specific legal advice about your circumstances, consult a solicitor or wills specialist.