How often should you update your will?

Review your will at least every three to five years, and straight after any major life event such as marriage, divorce, a new child or buying property. Even if nothing has changed for you, the law may have, so a periodic check is worthwhile.

Does getting divorced cancel your will?

No. Divorce does not cancel your will in England and Wales. Any gift to your former spouse fails, as if they had died before you, and they can no longer act as your executor. The rest of your will stays in force. Make a new will after a divorce so your estate goes where you want it to.

Can I update my will myself without a solicitor?

You can legally make your own codicil or will, but it is risky. Badly worded wills are a common cause of inheritance disputes. A solicitor makes sure your will is valid, properly witnessed and says clearly what you mean, which avoids costly problems later.

What is a codicil and when should I use one?

A codicil is a formal amendment to an existing will. It must be signed and witnessed like a will. Codicils suit minor changes such as a new executor or a small extra gift. For anything bigger, a new will is usually better because it avoids confusion.

Wills · 9 min read · Published 20 March 2026

How to update your will: when and why you should review it

When to update your will, what triggers a review, and whether a codicil or a new will is needed.

By Aaron Johnson, Consultant Solicitor and TEP, a solicitor in Bridlington who writes every guide himself.

This guide is general information about the law of England and Wales, not legal advice. Each case is assessed on its own merits.

Guides · Wills · No. 14 of 18Published 20 March 2026 · 9 minutes

Making a will is a good first step, but it is not a document you make once and forget. 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 may not do what you think it does.

This guide explains when to review your will and which changes need a new document. It also says when a short addition (a codicil) is enough.

Why an up-to-date will matters

An out-of-date will causes real problems. It might leave assets to someone you no longer see, or appoint an executor who can no longer act. It might leave out people who matter to you now, such as a new partner or grandchildren.

At worst, an out-of-date will can be challenged after your death, leading to legal disputes that eat into the estate and divide the family.

Life events that call for a review

These life events should prompt you to review, and probably rewrite, your will:

Marriage or civil partnership: this revokes your existing will entirely
Divorce or the end of a civil partnership: gifts to your former spouse fail, as if they had died before you, but the rest of your will stands
A new child or grandchild: you will want to include them and, for a child, appoint guardians
Buying or selling property: especially if it changes how you want your assets divided
An inheritance or a big change in your finances: your estate may now be large enough to pay inheritance tax
The death of a beneficiary or executor: you need to name replacements
Moving house: update any property described in your will
Separation: if you have separated but not divorced, your will still stands as written
Starting a business: business assets need proper succession planning
Retirement: check who you have nominated to receive your pension

Red wax seal on a white envelope on a wooden table

Codicil or new will

Codicil vs New Will

Codicil (Minor Amendment)	New Will (Recommended for Most Changes)
Best for a small change, such as a new executor	Best for significant life changes
Cheaper than a new will	One clear document with no ambiguity
Must be kept with the original will	Revokes earlier wills and codicils through a standard revocation clause
Becomes confusing if you make more than one	Costs more but avoids confusion
Same witnessing rules as a will	One document covers everything

In most cases Aaron recommends a new will rather than a codicil. The difference in cost is small, and a fresh will is much clearer for your executors and family to follow.