8 Critical Reasons Why You Must Review Your Will
Have you ever thought about what would actually happen if you passed away tomorrow? It is an uncomfortable thought, but writing your will is one of the most caring acts you can do for your loved ones. However what most people overlook is that writing your will is not a one-time task. Life changes and your will needs to change with it.
At Will 4 Less, we often hear clients say:
“I made my will years ago. I am sure it is still fine.”
Unfortunately, that assumption could leave their family exposed to unnecessary tax bills, confusion, and even legal disputes. Here are 8 critical, updated, and often overlooked reasons why you should review your will today, written to reflect UK law and designed to help you protect everything you have worked for in life.
Reason 1: Marriage Or Civil Partnership Cancels Your Existing Will
Under UK law, if you get married or enter a civil partnership, your existing will is automatically cancelled, unless you made it in contemplation of marriage. Most people do not realise this, but it is true. For example:
- If you wrote a will leaving everything to your children but then remarried, your will is now invalid.
- If you pass away without making a new will, the intestacy rules apply, meaning your spouse will inherit a large portion, which may not align with your intended distribution.
Imagine: You wanted to leave half your estate to your children from your first marriage, but your will was invalidated by your second marriage, leaving them with nothing unless your new spouse chooses otherwise.
This is why it is essential to review your will immediately if you have married or entered a civil partnership since it was written. This ensures your loved ones are protected exactly as you wish.
Reason 2: Divorce Does Not Cancel Your Will , But It Changes Its Effect
Unlike marriage, divorce does not cancel your will, but it treats your former spouse as if they died before you. This can cause partial intestacy if they were your only or main beneficiary or executor leading to:
✔ Assets passing under intestacy laws, potentially excluding stepchildren or non-blood relatives.
✔ No valid executor, resulting in delays, legal fees, and stress for your family.
✔ Tax planning failures if your estate was structured around them.
Review your will as soon as you divorce to:
- Remove your ex-spouse where appropriate
- Appoint new executors
- Update your wishes to reflect your new life
People often search “Do I need to review my will after divorce UK?” – the answer is yes, urgently.
Reason 3: Your Children May Now Be Adults With Different Needs
When you first wrote your will, your children may have been young, needing guardianship clauses and trusts to protect their inheritance. Now, they might be:
- Financially independent
- Parents themselves
- Managing their own homes or businesses
Review your will { name}to reflect their maturity. For example:
- Appoint them as executors or trustees if appropriate
- Adjust legacies if they no longer need financial support
- Consider gifts to grandchildren or educational funds
This reflects your current family structure and can also improve tax efficiency under UK inheritance tax rules.
Reason 4: Tax Laws Change – And So Should Your Will
UK inheritance tax allowances and exemptions evolve frequently. For example, the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), introduced in 2017, allows an additional allowance when passing your home to direct descendants, but has strict eligibility criteria. Mistakes can cost your family thousands in unnecessary tax.
Additionally, the UK government continues to review Inheritance Tax reform proposals in 2025, which may:
- Adjust thresholds and tapering
- Change reliefs for business or agricultural assets
- Impact how trusts are taxed
Failing to review your will can lead to unintended tax liabilities.
At Will 4 Less, we ensure your will is updated with the latest tax planning opportunities to maximise what your loved ones inherit.
Reason 5: You May Have New Digital And International Assets
Modern estates are no longer just houses and bank accounts. Today you may own:
- Cryptocurrencies or NFTs
- Monetised YouTube or social media accounts
- Overseas bank accounts or properties
- Online business income streams
Without clear instructions in your will, these digital and international assets:
- Can be lost or inaccessible to your family
- May cause complex legal hurdles under foreign jurisdictions
- Remain taxable under UK law even if unclaimed
Review your will to ensure your executors have the legal authority, access details, and clarity to manage these modern assets efficiently.
Reason 6: You Want To Support Charities While Saving Tax
Leaving a gift to charity in your will is not only meaningful, but also tax-efficient. Under UK law, if you leave 10% or more of your net estate to charity, your inheritance tax rate on the rest reduces from 40% to 36%.
Clients at Will 4 Less often ask:
“How do I reduce inheritance tax with charity gifts?”
By reviewing your will we can:
- Calculate optimal charity legacy amounts for tax savings
- Ensure your chosen charities are correctly named and registered
- Structure gifts to protect other beneficiaries’ shares
Review your will if you want to make a difference in the world while protecting your family’s inheritance.
Reason 7: Your Executors Or Trustees May No Longer Be Suitablethe Last Review
Executors are the people who carry out your wishes and manage your estate. Trustees manage any trusts created in your will, such as those for young children or vulnerable beneficiaries. Over time:
✔ Executors may move abroad, making administration impractical
✔ Trustees may become elderly or unwell
✔ Your relationship with them may have changed
Appointing the wrong executor can cause family disputes, delays, and financial complications. In some cases, appointing a professional executor alongside a family member ensures:
- Expert legal and tax guidance
- Reduced family conflict
- Faster and smoother estate administration
Review your will to check your executors and trustees are still the right people to carry out your wishes with confidence.
Reason 8: You Deserve Peace Of Mind That Your Will Reflects Your True Wishes
Perhaps the most important reason to review your will is for your own peace of mind. Life changes so quickly. Without regular reviews, your will can become outdated, ineffective, or even invalid, leaving your family with:
- Legal complications
- Unexpected tax bills
- Emotional distress and disputes
How Often Should You Review Your Will ?
Best practice is every 3-5 years, or immediately after major life events, such as:
- Marriage, civil partnership, or divorce
- Birth or adoption of children or grandchildren
- Buying, selling, or inheriting property
- Significant financial changes
- Starting or selling a business
- Changes in tax law
Reviewing your will is not just paperwork – it is an act of love, responsibility, and respect for the people who matter most to you.
Final Thoughts – Is It Time To Review Your Will ?
If you are reading this, the answer is likely yes. Reviewing your Will is not about planning for death – it is about protecting the people you love and ensuring your lifetime achievements continue to bring them security and comfort in the years to come.
Do not put it off for another day. Contact Will 4 Less today tto review your Will with confidence and care. Let us help you secure the future you want for your family, with dignity and peace of mind.