Making a Will is a great first step — but it's not a "set it and forget it" document. Your Will should reflect your life as it is now, not as it was five or ten years ago. If your circumstances have changed, your Will might not do what you think it does.
This guide explains when you should review your Will, what changes need a brand new document, and when a simple addition (called a codicil) might be enough.
Key Takeaways
- Review your Will every 3-5 years or after any major life event
- Marriage automatically revokes an existing Will in England and Wales
- Divorce doesn't cancel your Will — but it does affect gifts to your ex-spouse
- A codicil can handle small changes; bigger changes need a new Will
- Never cross out or write on your existing Will — this can invalidate it
Why Keeping Your Will Up to Date Matters
An outdated Will can cause real problems. It might leave assets to someone you're no longer in contact with, appoint an executor who's no longer able to act, or fail to include people who matter to you now — like a new partner or grandchildren.
In the worst case, an outdated Will could be challenged after your death, leading to expensive legal disputes that eat into the estate and cause family conflict.
68%
of people with a Will have never updated it
Source: Farewill, 2023
Life Events That Should Trigger a Will Review
These life events should prompt you to review (and potentially rewrite) your Will:
- Getting married or entering a civil partnership — this revokes your existing Will entirely
- Getting divorced or ending a civil partnership — gifts to your ex-spouse are treated as if they died before you, but the rest of your Will stands
- Having a child or grandchild — you'll want to include them and consider appointing guardians
- Buying or selling property — especially if it changes how you want assets distributed
- Receiving an inheritance or significant financial change — your estate's value may now trigger inheritance tax
- Death of a beneficiary or executor — you need to name replacements
- Moving house — update the property described in your Will
- Relationship breakdown — if you've separated but not yet divorced, your Will still stands as written
- Starting a business — business assets need proper succession planning
- Retiring — pension and retirement fund beneficiaries should be reviewed
Codicil vs New Will: Which Do You Need?
Codicil vs New Will
Codicil (Minor Amendment)
- Best for small changes (e.g., updating an executor)
- Cheaper — typically £50-£150
- Must be stored with the original Will
- Can become confusing if you make multiple codicils
- Same witnessing requirements as a Will
New Will (Recommended for Most Changes)
- Best for significant life changes
- Clean, clear document with no ambiguity
- Automatically revokes the previous Will
- Costs more but avoids confusion
- One document covers everything
In most cases, we recommend making a new Will rather than adding codicils. The cost difference is small, and a fresh Will is much clearer for your executors and family to follow.
How to Update Your Will
Steps to Update Your Will
- 1
Review your current Will
Read through your existing Will and note anything that's changed — beneficiaries, executors, guardians, assets, or wishes.
- 2
Decide whether you need a codicil or new Will
For minor changes (updating an address or small gift), a codicil may suffice. For anything else, a new Will is safer.
- 3
Speak to a solicitor
A solicitor will ensure your new Will is properly drafted, correctly witnesses, and legally valid. They'll also spot issues you might not have considered.
- 4
Sign and witness the new Will
Your new Will must be signed in the presence of two independent witnesses (who are not beneficiaries or their spouses).
- 5
Store your Will safely
Keep the original in a secure place — a solicitor's office, a bank safe deposit box, or the Probate Service's storage facility.
- 6
Destroy the old Will
Once your new Will is signed, destroy the old one completely to avoid confusion. Your solicitor can do this for you.
Ready to Update Your Will?
Whether it's been years since you last reviewed your Will or you've recently had a life change, Aaron can help ensure your wishes are properly recorded. Fixed fees, no surprises.
Book Free Will ReviewLocal Will Reviews in Bridlington
If you made your Will some time ago — perhaps with a different solicitor, through a Will-writing company, or even using an online service — it's worth having it professionally reviewed. We see many Wills that contain errors, ambiguities, or provisions that no longer reflect the client's wishes.
Aaron offers Will reviews for clients across Bridlington, Driffield, Filey, Scarborough, and the wider East Yorkshire area. If your Will needs updating, we can prepare a new one that properly protects your family and reflects your current circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should review your Will every 3-5 years as a minimum, and immediately after any major life event such as marriage, divorce, having children, or buying property. Even if nothing has changed, a periodic review ensures everything still reflects your wishes and accounts for changes in the law.
Need Help with Wills?
If you're ready to take the next step, explore our related services:
Standard Single Will
A professionally drafted Will tailored to your wishes. Aaron handles everything from first conversation to signing. Fixed fee, no surprises. Home visits available.
Mirror Wills (For Couples)
Two professionally drafted Wills for couples with shared wishes. One consultation, one fee, complete peace of mind. Save £150 vs two Single Wills.