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.
A will is an act of care. It sets out who you trust to sort your affairs, who should look after children, and how you want property and money shared after you’ve gone. Keeping it up to date protects the people you love and reduces uncertainty at a time when family and friends need calm and clarity GOV.UK – Make a will.
Why review your will regularly?
- GOV.UK recommends you review your will every five years and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, changes to your assets, or a move abroad GOV.UK – Updating your will. Regular reviews help ensure the will still reflects your wishes.
- People’s lives change: relationships evolve, new family members arrive, property is bought or sold, and financial circumstances shift. A well-timed review helps your family understand the choices you wanted and reduces the risk of disputes or misunderstandings.
- Some changes can affect tax or inheritance outcomes. For example, adjustments to who inherits and how assets are held can have implications for inheritance tax; HMRC guidance explains how different arrangements affect estate tax matters and why accurate records matter to executors and trustees HMRC IHT manual IHTM12075.
Formalities matter — don’t make informal changes
A will must meet legal formalities to be effective. In England and Wales, it needs to be in writing, signed by the person making it in the presence of two witnesses who also sign; witnesses must be adults and should not stand to benefit from the will GOV.UK – Make sure your will is legal. Because of these formal requirements, never try to alter a signed will by crossing out words, adding notes, or writing a new version without following the correct procedure — that informal change could cause serious problems for your family.
Codicils and new wills
Small updates can sometimes be made by a codicil, a short document that alters part of an existing will. A codicil must be signed and witnessed in exactly the same way as a will, so it carries the same formal requirements GOV.UK – Updating your will. For more substantial or multiple changes, most people choose to make a new will rather than add a series of codicils — a new, clearly worded will avoids confusion about which document governs the estate.
What about marriage and divorce?
Certain life events have specific legal effects. GOV.UK explains that marriage can revoke a will made before the marriage unless the will was written in contemplation of that marriage GOV.UK – Updating your will. Similarly, if a marriage or civil partnership is legally ended, gifts to a former partner and appointments of them as executor are generally treated by the law as if they had died before you — but the rest of the will can remain in force. Because these issues are technical and significant, a review after marriage, separation, or divorce is especially important GOV.UK – Updating your will.
How a timely review helps families
- Clarity: Clear, current instructions mean loved ones know what you intended, easing emotional strain during bereavement.
- Practicality: Up-to-date names for executors, trustees and guardians ensure the right people can take practical steps without delay.
- Fairness and unity: Revising a will after major changes can help prevent disputes between family members who might otherwise disagree about your intentions.
Illustrative composite scenario
A couple made a will when they were in their twenties. Over thirty years, they bought a house, had two children, and one partner inherited a small business. After separation and later divorce, their old will still named the ex-partner as executor and left the business to them. A timely review and new will would have allowed them to rename an executor and make clear who should take the business — avoiding uncertainty for their children and executors.
Practical next steps
- Make a checklist: review your will every five years and whenever major life events occur (marriage, birth, death in the family, divorce, moving home or significant changes in assets) GOV.UK – Updating your will.
- Keep formalities: if you need to change your will, either use a professionally prepared new will or a properly signed and witnessed codicil — do not alter a signed will informally GOV.UK – Make sure your will is legal.
- Talk with loved ones: let your executor and close family know where your will is kept and any key wishes that matter to them for peace of mind.
- Seek professional guidance if your situation is complex, for example with blended families, trusts, business interests or potential inheritance tax considerations HMRC IHT manual IHTM12075.
Legal-information disclaimer
This is general information about wills in England and Wales and not legal advice. Rules can be different in Scotland and Northern Ireland. For personal advice about your situation, consult a solicitor or estate professional.