A common question people ask is whether a will ever expires. The simple answer is that a will does not have an expiry date in the UK, but there are important situations where it may stop being valid or no longer reflect your wishes.

Does a will ever expire?

A legally valid will remains valid indefinitely. It does not expire after a number of years and it does not become invalid just because time has passed. However, life changes can affect whether your will still applies as intended.

When does a will become invalid?

There are a few situations where a will can become invalid under UK law.

If you get married or enter into a civil partnership, any existing will is usually revoked automatically unless it was written in contemplation of that marriage or partnership.

If you write a new will, the most recent will normally replaces all previous ones.

If a will was not signed or witnessed correctly, it may be invalid from the start.

Why an old will can still cause problems

Even if a will is technically valid, it may no longer reflect your circumstances. An outdated will can lead to confusion, family disputes, or outcomes you never intended.

Common reasons a will should be reviewed include changes in property ownership, new children or grandchildren, divorce, separation, or changes in your financial situation.

How often should you review your will?

As a general guide, it is sensible to review your will every three to five years, or sooner if you experience any major life events.

A review does not always mean rewriting everything. Sometimes a small update is enough, but professional advice helps ensure any changes are legally effective.

Summary

A will can last a lifetime, but it should evolve as your life changes. Keeping your will up to date ensures it continues to protect the people and assets that matter most.