Keeping your will up to date is an important part of planning for the future. A will should change as your life changes, so it is helpful to read through it every few years to make sure it still reflects what you want. You should also look at it again whenever something important happens in your life.
Changes in Relationships
If you separate from your husband, wife or civil partner, the instructions in your will remain in place until a final legal order is made. This can take a long time, so it’s sensible to review your wishes as soon as you separate. The same is true if you end a long-term relationship and you have included that partner in your will. Marriage is another reason to review your will. In most cases marriage cancels any earlier will unless it was written to stay valid. Before the wedding, it is wise to look at your plans. You can read more about how marriage affects wills at. It can also help to make sure your LPA online records are correct, and firms such as LPA online can help and assist with this process.
Changes Involving Beneficiaries
You may need to update your will if someone named in it dies before you. If you have children or new grandchildren, your will may need to be changed to include them. It is also helpful to think about changes in the lives of your beneficiaries. If someone now has money problems or is going through a divorce, a trust may offer better protection for their inheritance.
