Updating Your Will – When and Why It’s Important
Writing your will is an important step, but it’s not something to forget about once it’s done. Life changes, and when it does, your will should change with it.
At Coastal Legacy, we often meet people across Hampshire, Fareham, Portsmouth, and Gosport who wrote their wills years ago and have never revisited them. While that’s common, it can lead to problems if your will no longer reflects your current circumstances or wishes.
Here’s why regular updates matter — and when you should consider making one.
Why Updating Your Will Matters
A will is a living document. It represents your life, relationships, and responsibilities at the time it’s written. But as time passes, things naturally evolve.
If your will doesn’t match your current situation, it could:
- Leave assets to someone unintentionally
- Exclude new family members
- Cause confusion or disputes after your death
Keeping your will up to date ensures that your legacy remains accurate and your loved ones are properly provided for.
When You Should Update Your Will
There’s no set rule on how often to review your will, but as a general guide, you should check it every three to five years or after any major life event.
Here are some common reasons to update it:
1. Marriage or Civil Partnership
Getting married or entering a civil partnership automatically cancels any previous will (unless it was made in anticipation of the marriage). If you’ve recently tied the knot, it’s essential to make a new will.
2. Divorce or Separation
After a divorce, your ex-partner will no longer benefit from your will, but other parts may still apply. It’s best to review your document to ensure it reflects your new circumstances.
3. Birth of a Child or Grandchild
Welcoming a new family member often changes how you wish your estate to be distributed. Updating your will allows you to name guardians and ensure children are included.
4. Buying or Selling Property
If you’ve bought a new home or sold an existing property, your estate value and assets will have changed — which means your will should too.
5. Changes in Financial Situation
A change in income, inheritance, or investments can affect how you’d like your estate divided. A quick update ensures your finances are reflected accurately.
6. Loss of a Beneficiary or Executor
If someone named in your will passes away or can no longer act as executor, your will needs to be revised to appoint someone new.
How to Update Your Will
You can update your will in two main ways:
- Add a Codicil – A formal, legally recognised amendment that updates part of your will without rewriting the entire document.
- Write a New Will – If you’re making several changes or your situation has significantly evolved, starting fresh is often the best option.
At Coastal Legacy, we’ll guide you through which option suits you best, ensuring the document remains legally valid and perfectly tailored to your wishes.
Professional Support Makes It Simple
Updating your will might sound like a lot of effort, but with professional guidance, it’s straightforward and stress-free. We’ll make sure everything is correctly signed, witnessed, and stored — giving you confidence that your loved ones are protected.
We’ve helped countless clients across Hampshire keep their wills current, so they can enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is in order.
Keep Your Legacy Up to Date
Your will should grow and change with you. Whether you need a small amendment or a complete rewrite, Coastal Legacy is here to help.
👉 Contact our team today to review or update your existing will and ensure your legacy is fully protected.