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Updating Your Will

One of the most common misconceptions people have about wills is that they're basically a "set it and forget it" type of deal. Meaning that once you've got the document in place, you really don't have to make changes to it. The reality is that wills should be updated throughout your life to account for important changes that happen to you and to make sure your assets are distributed in the manner in which you had intended.

Some life changes or circumstances that could warrant a change to your will can include:


  • If you find yourself no longer getting along with the executor or a beneficiary of your will.
  • If there is the death of a beneficiary or the birth of a new family member. 
  • If the size of your estate has significantly increased or decreased.
  • If you decided that you want to change the amounts you are leaving to beneficiaries.
  • If you move to another state. 
If changes aren't made to a will it won't necessarily invalidate the document, but at the very least, it will definitely complicate matters. However, in some instances, not making key alterations to a will can make the document unenforceable.

Changes to a will are done through a codicil, which is an addendum to a will that must be written, signed and witnessed. If you find that you have to make several changes and add multiple codicils, it may be the case that drawing up a new will would be the best option for you. 
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