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How To Update Your Will | London Will Writing Potters Bar

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April 11, 2025•3 min read

How To Update Your Will: Advice from The Society of Will Writers

Advice from The Society of Will Writers

Life is constantly changing, and your will should reflect those changes.

At London Will Writing in Potters Bar, we help individuals and families keep their wills up to date, ensuring their final wishes are protected.

Following expert guidance from The Society of Will Writers, we’ll explain when and how to update your will to keep it legally valid and aligned with your current circumstances.

Why Updating Your Will is Essential

Many people draft a will and forget about it, but failing to update your will can lead to serious consequences.

If your will does not reflect your most recent life changes, your estate may not be distributed as you intended.

The Society of Will Writers recommends reviewing your will every three to five years or whenever a significant life event occurs.

Our expert team services clients for estate planning across London, Middlesex, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex & Bedfordshire.

Key Reasons to Revise Your Will

Marriage or Civil Partnership: In England and Wales, marriage revokes any existing will unless it was made in contemplation of the marriage. If you’ve recently tied the knot, updating your will ensures your spouse is legally protected.
Divorce or Separation: Divorce automatically removes your ex-spouse as a beneficiary, but it does not revoke your will. This means other parts of your will may still be outdated. Revising your will ensures your assets are allocated correctly.
Having Children or Grandchildren: Whether you have recently had children, adopted, or become a grandparent, updating your will allows you to appoint guardians and allocate inheritances.
Financial Changes: Acquiring property, receiving an inheritance, or setting up a business are all reasons to revisit your estate plan.
Changes in Executors or Beneficiaries: If someone named in your will has passed away, moved abroad, or is no longer suitable for their role, your will should be amended accordingly.

How to Update Your Will in Potters Bar

At London Will Writing, we offer professional will updates following The Society of Will Writers’ best practices.

Here’s how you can legally amend your will:

1. Creating a Codicil

A codicil is a formal legal document that makes minor amendments to an existing will. It must be signed and witnessed in the same way as your original will. While codicils work for small changes, having multiple codicils can make your estate plan confusing.

2. Writing a New Will

For major updates, the safest and most efficient option is to create a new will that revokes all previous versions. This ensures clarity and prevents any conflicts or legal disputes.

Our will writing experts in Potters Bar will guide you through this process to make sure everything is legally binding.

Common Questions About Updating Your Will

Q. How often should I update my will?

A. Experts recommend reviewing your will every 3-5 years or whenever a major life event occurs.

Q. Can I update my will myself?

A. While you can make handwritten amendments, they are often legally invalid. Professional updates ensure compliance with UK law.

Q. What happens if I don’t update my will?

A. If your will is outdated, assets may be distributed incorrectly, leading to legal disputes or unintended beneficiaries receiving your estate.

Why Choose London Will Writing?

17+ Years of Experience: We have helped countless families write a will in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire and London, with expert estate planning.
Society of Will Writers Approved: We follow the highest professional standards in will writing and updates.
Home & Virtual Consultations: We make updating your will easy and stress-free.
Secure Will Storage: Protect your original will with our secure storage service.