When Did You Last Review Your Will?

Most people understand the importance of making a Will. Far fewer appreciate the importance of reviewing it.

A Will should not be drafted, signed and then forgotten about. Family circumstances change, assets grow, and tax rules evolve. A Will that reflected your wishes five or ten years ago may no longer achieve the outcome you intended.

If you cannot remember the last time you reviewed your Will, now may be the time to take another look.

Why Reviewing Your Will Matters

A Will is designed to ensure that your estate passes to the people you choose, in the way you choose. However, significant events during your lifetime can affect how your Will operates.

For example:

• Marriage or civil partnership
• Divorce or separation
• The birth of children or grandchildren
• The death of a beneficiary or executor
• A significant increase in wealth
• Starting, selling or inheriting a business
• Purchasing property
• Changes to inheritance tax rules

Even if none of these events apply to you, it is sensible to review your Will periodically to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

Marriage Can Revoke a Will

Many people are surprised to learn that marriage generally revokes an existing Will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage.

Without a valid Will, your estate may be distributed under the intestacy rules rather than according to your wishes.

Family Circumstances Change

Families rarely remain the same over time.

Perhaps you have welcomed grandchildren and would like to leave them a specific gift. Maybe one of your children has become financially vulnerable and requires additional protection. Alternatively, you may now have stepchildren or be part of a blended family.

A Will drafted many years ago may not adequately address these changes.

Have Inheritance Tax Changes Affected You?

Inheritance tax planning has become increasingly important for many families.

With inheritance tax thresholds remaining frozen for a prolonged period and changes affecting certain business and agricultural assets from April 2026, more estates may find themselves exposed to inheritance tax than previously anticipated.

A review of your Will provides an opportunity to assess whether your estate planning remains effective considering changes to the rules.

Is Your Choice of Executors Still Appropriate?

When drafting a Will, many people choose executors without giving much thought to whether they will still be suitable years later.

An executor may have moved abroad, become elderly, lost capacity, or simply no longer be the right person for the role.

Reviewing your Will allows you to consider whether your chosen executors are still willing and able to administer your estate when the time comes.

What About Digital Assets?

Modern estates increasingly include digital assets, such as online bank accounts, investment platforms, cryptocurrency holdings, social media accounts and cloud-based photo storage.

Ensuring these assets are considered can make life much easier for your executors.

How Often Should You Review Your Will?

As a general rule, we recommend reviewing your Will:

• Every three to five years
• Following any major life event
• When there are significant changes to tax legislation
• If your financial circumstances change substantially

A review does not necessarily mean your Will needs to be rewritten. In many cases, a simple confirmation that it still reflects your wishes can provide valuable peace of mind.

A Small Investment of Time Can Avoid Future Problems

A Will is one of the most important legal documents you will ever sign. Yet many people leave their Will untouched for decades, assuming it will continue to work exactly as intended.

Taking the time to review your Will regularly can help ensure your loved ones are protected, your wishes are respected and unnecessary complications are avoided.

After all, the question is not simply whether you have a Will.

The real question is: when did you last review it?