When should I update my Will?

As mentioned in one of our earlier articles (Why make a Will), your last Will and testament is one of the most important documents you'll ever make and will have a lasting effect on those you leave behind. So, there is never a better time to make your Will than now.

Most people's circumstances change over time and a Will is something that should also be updated in line with those changes – a bit like buying bigger clothes for your child as they grow up.

These are a few major life events when most people would look to updating their Will:

• If your marital status changes
• If you sell anything that is left as a gift in your Will
• If you buy something and want to leave it as a gift in your Will
• If you adopt or have (additional) children
• If you lose a child or children
• If you move to a new country (you are likely to need a totally new Will in your new country of residence)
• If the person you appointed as the guardian for your children needs to be changed
• If your executors need to be changed
• If you change your mind about the instructions contained in your Will

Your Will is valid until you make a new Will (thereby 'revoking' the old Will), making a codicil (a separate legal document making minor alterations to your Will without the need to draft a completely new Will). Your Will can also be revoked by destroying it.

See previous article: Features of a Will

See next article: Glossary of legal terms

Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, or a legal opinion. The practical application of the provisions of this article will vary depending on the facts of each case. The publication, author of the article and companies or individuals providing commentary cannot be held liable in any way.