We set out clear, practical guidance so protecting an estate feels manageable, not endless.
Generally, a sensible rule is to check a Will every three to five years, or sooner after big life events. Some advisers suggest at least once every five years, while others prefer a two‑year cycle for extra reassurance.
We explain the main intervals and offer simple markers for when it is the right time to act. That keeps the estate secure and reduces stress for family members later.
This is general guidance, not personal legal advice. For tailored help, see our detailed page at how often should i review my will.
Key Takeaways
- Check a Will every three to five years as a good starting point.
- Consider a two‑year cycle for peace of mind if circumstances change.
- Review promptly after major events such as marriage, divorce, or property change.
- Regular checks protect your estate and cut the risk of family disputes.
- This guidance supports when to seek professional advice from a solicitor.
Why reviewing your Will matters for your family, assets and wishes
An up-to-date estate document stops small errors becoming big family problems.
Keeping papers current reduces the risk of disputes and makes sure your wishes are followed. If circumstances change and the document does not, your estate could pass to someone you did not intend. Loved ones may also face unnecessary legal steps and expense.
Disputes often start from unclear wording, missing replacements for key roles, or plans that no longer match family life. This is common in blended families, where assumptions about beneficiaries conflict with the law.
What a Will controls in practice
- Beneficiaries: who receives money, property and personal items.
- Executors: the person or people who manage the estate and carry out the wishes.
- Guardians: who looks after children if both parents die.
- Assets: how property, savings and possessions are passed on.
| Risk from out-of-date document | Possible outcome | Who it affects | Simple action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambiguous wording | Dispute over inheritance | Beneficiaries and family | Clarify language and specify shares |
| No replacement executor | Delay in estate administration | Executors and dependants | Name alternates suited to health and location |
| Old guardianship choices | Care arrangements contested | Children and family | Update guardians to reflect present circumstances |
We treat a document update as an act of care. A short check means fewer headaches for family at a difficult time. For guidance on keeping documents current, see our detailed page on why regularly reviewing your will matters.
how often should i review my will uk: a practical review timetable
Think in dates and life events, and a practical timetable becomes easy to follow. We set out a short, clear plan you can adopt today.
The typical benchmark: reviewing every three to five years
Every three to five years is the common benchmark. That gives a regular pause to check beneficiaries, assets and executors. It suits most people with stable family and finances.
Why some choose a two‑year check
Some prefer a shorter cycle, such as every two years. This catches slow changes in relationships or a growing estate before problems appear.
When “at least once every five years” fits
If family and finances are steady, a five years minimum creates a safety net. It ensures documents do not drift out of step with present circumstances.
Setting reminders using dates and milestones
- Pick a memorable date: birthday, retirement or tax year end.
- Set a calendar alert a month ahead for a quick sense check.
- If changes appear, move to a fuller update with a solicitor.
| Timetable | Trigger | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Every 2 years | Growing estate or shifting family ties | Full check and update if needed |
| 3–5 years | Stable home and finances | Sense check; minor edits if required |
| At least 5 years | Low change in circumstances | Confirm details and dates remain accurate |
For guidance on updating an estate plan, see our short guide to update an estate plan.
Life and family circumstances that should trigger a Will review
Life can move fast. A single event may leave legal documents out of date and create avoidable stress for loved ones.
Marriage or civil partnership
Marriage normally invalidates an existing testament in England and Wales unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage. That makes it a clear prompt to act.
If you plan to marry and want existing instructions to remain, speak to a solicitor before the ceremony.
Divorce or separation
Divorce does not automatically void a document, but the law treats an ex-spouse as if they had died for inheritance purposes. That can leave gaps for dependants and beneficiaries.
We advise a prompt check after separation so executor appointments and gifts still match your wishes.
Children, grandchildren and care provisions
Having children or grandchildren often changes priorities. Guardians, trustees and provisions need regular attention as people age or move house.
Name alternates for executors and guardians. That reduces delay if someone dies or becomes unable to act.
New partner or cohabiting arrangements
Living with a new partner does not give them automatic rights under the law. If you want to provide for a partner, make specific provisions for beneficiaries and executors.
Simply changing your mind
Wishes change and that is normal. If you want different outcomes, update documents without delay to avoid confusion later.
For practical guidance on making changes and planning for people you care about, see making a will.
Property, inheritance and financial changes that can affect your estate plan
When property ownership or asset levels shift, your estate plan can stop matching real life. Small changes to ownership can change who gets a home or how an estate divides. That matters for fairness and for tax outcomes.
Buying or selling a home and why ownership type matters
Buying or selling property often requires an update. If a home is held jointly, it may pass automatically to the co‑owner.
That can override intentions in the document. Check titles and ownership types after any transaction.
Major changes in assets, business interests or receiving an inheritance
Starting or selling a business, receiving an inheritance or a big market loss shifts the overall estate picture.
Such shifts can make fixed gifts unfair or leave little for the residuary estate.
Keeping gifts and the residuary estate aligned with current circumstances
Specific gifts must be balanced against the residuary estate. Debts, costs and earlier legacies reduce what remains.
We suggest checking gift amounts after each major asset change to avoid unintended shortfalls.
Planning around inheritance tax and avoiding accidental tax inefficiencies
Inheritance tax rules and thresholds change. An old plan can be tax‑inefficient.
Simple steps—updating beneficiaries, using exemptions and checking trusts—can protect more for chosen people.
| Trigger | Immediate action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Selling family home | Check executor instructions | Document may still name the former property |
| Receiving inheritance | Reassess gift fairness | Residuary estate size changes |
| Tax or laws change | Seek advice or update | Can improve tax efficiency |
For guidance on protecting the family and aligning estate documents with property and tax realities, see our page on protect your family’s future with estate.
How to update your Will in the UK: the best way for small changes and major changes
A clear route exists for minor changes and another for major changes; choosing the right one saves time and risk.
Using a codicil for minor edits
A codicil is a short document that amends the original. It must be signed and witnessed in the same way as the main document.
Use a codicil for small steps: changing an executor, altering a small gift or correcting a name. Keep the wording precise so beneficiaries face no doubt.
Writing a new document when changes are bigger
When family structure or assets shift substantially, starting again is usually clearer. A fresh document avoids layers of amendments and reduces error risk.
Examples include remarriage, divorce, major inheritances or complex blended family provisions.
Choosing executors and replacement executors
Pick executors who are willing and able to act. Name replacements in case of illness, death or relocation.
Discuss duties with your chosen team so the estate passes smoothly and beneficiaries receive care without delay.
When to seek legal advice from a solicitor
We advise contacting a solicitor where tax planning, property or blended families are involved. Solicitors are regulated and insured, which adds protection for loved ones.
Simple steps handled by a provider may cost less, but legal advice gives peace of mind for complex circumstances.
Typical costs in the UK
DIY or unregulated services often charge about £20–£100 for basic documents. Solicitor-drafted documents range roughly £150–£500 depending on complexity.
For homeowners, the extra cost can be worthwhile because solicitors offer professional standards and insurance cover that protect beneficiaries.
| Update way | Best for | Signed and witnessed | Typical cost range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codicil | Minor edits (executor swap, small gift) | Yes — same formalities as original | £20–£100 (if via simple provider) |
| New document | Major changes, divorce, remarriage, complex estate | Yes — full signing and witnessing | £150–£500 (solicitor-drafted) |
| Solicitor advice | Tax planning, property, blended families | Not applicable — professional guidance | Fees vary; may include drafting costs |
Conclusion
strong, Keeping a document up to date makes sure wishes match current life and priorities.
We recommend a sensible cycle of checks and a prompt update after major events. A three-to-five years rhythm is a good starting point, with quicker action when circumstances change.
Key triggers include marriage, divorce, new children or grandchildren, property moves, large financial shifts and any change in who acts as executor. These steps protect an estate and support chosen beneficiaries.
Make one simple action today: pick a date for the next check and list what has changed since the last document was signed. For practical guidance on creating a will see creating a will.
Regular, clear planning is one of the easiest ways to care for those left behind. Small, timely updates bring certainty and calm.