We always recommend that our customers review their will every five years, as well as when certain circumstances change or when major life events occur.
Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, and the death of a family member or executor can change your finances, estate, and even your views and wishes.
Marriage or civil partnership
In the UK, if you recently got married or are about to get married, the will that you currently have will be automatically revoked unless you have specific instructions placed making your will valid even after marriage.
The law is the same when a civil partnership is registered, so any wills completed before are automatically cancelled.
‘In contemplation of marriage’
Section 18 of the Wills Act 1837, allows you to make a Will specifically because you’re about to get married to someone. A Will can be drawn up ‘in contemplation of marriage’ to a particular person’. In 2005 this was extended to civil partnerships.
Such a Will secures your intentions despite your new marriage which is crucial, especially when you have children from a previous relationship.
Getting separated or divorced
A separation or divorce doesn’t affect your will by making it invalid, but in many cases, couples appoint their partners as an executor or trustee. After a divorce, they would be prohibited from acting as an executor or trustee.
If you get divorced or your civil partnership is dissolved, some of your will provisions will no longer be effective if you pass away before making a new Will.
Having a child
If you have a child or children after writing your will, they will not automatically become a beneficiary. Make sure you update your will every time you have a child so they are named as beneficiaries and to ensure all your wishes are carried out as you would like.
Update your will as soon as you can after the birth of your child and keep in mind that you can also name a legal guardian to protect your children if something happens to you.
After a Death
If someone that had been previously named as a beneficiary or an executor in your will has died, then you need to review your will.
A will that has been already signed and witnessed can only be changed by making an official alteration called a codicil. But there’s no limit on how many codicils you can add to a will.
Have a look through your current will and if you have had any major changes in your life please get in touch with our team and we will be more than happy to take you through the process of changing your will.
