A Will is not a rigid document that cannot be altered once it has been signed*. In fact, one of its key benefits is that it is flexible and can be amended to suit your needs and circumstances. A Will you write in your 30s may no longer work for you in your 50s and it is therefore important to ensure you are getting the most out of it. You carry out regular reviews in other areas of your life so why not for one of the most important documents you will ever write?

When to update your Will:

- Marriage. If you marry after the date your Will was signed, your Will is automatically revoked (unless it was written in contemplation of marriage), therefore leaving you without a valid Will.

- Divorce/Annulment. In these circumstances, any appointment of your former spouse as executor will be cancelled and any gift to them will also be void. This can cause huge problems if your former spouse is the only executor/beneficiary named in your Will.

- Name changes. Having the correct name for yourself or anyone stated in your Will is important to ensure easier identification of that person.

- An Executor, Trustee or Guardian dies or is unable to act. In this instance, the person can be removed from your will. If necessary you can appoint someone in their place to enable your wishes to be carried out correctly.

- No longer own specific assets. If you have made provision for a gift to a beneficiary which you no longer own you should reflect this in your Will.

- Increase in assets. If your estate value rises then your estate may become liable to pay Inheritance Tax. A review can establish whether you are using your will in the best possible way.

- Foreign assets. If you acquire assets abroad (e.g. a holiday home) it may be necessary for you to have a foreign Will which must then be referenced in your current Will.

This list is not exhaustive and it is always best practice to speak to your Willwriter who can advise if your Will requires amendments.

By choosing to write your Will through DS Wills & Estate Planning you will be safe in the knowledge that you will be contacted every two to three years to conduct a free review by telephone. If your circumstances have not changed and your document still does what you need it to then no amendments will be made. However, if in that time there has been changes to you or the law it may be advisable to update your Will. By not reassessing your circumstances you run the risk of being left with an unusable document whereas regular reviews give you the peace of mind that your Will is still working for you.

For more information about amending your Will please get in touch.

*This does not include Mutual Wills as these cannot be revoked after the death of the first testator. A Mutual Will is not the same as a Mirror Will (which can be revoked or altered) and due to their inflexible nature are not offered by DS Wills & Estate Planning.