You made a will years ago and put it somewhere safe. Since then, perhaps you have married, welcomed a child, bought a home, or lost someone close to you. But does your will still reflect your life today?
Making a will is an important step. Reviewing it as your circumstances change helps ensure it continues to reflect your wishes and the needs of your family.
When Your Relationship Changes
Marriage, a new common-law relationship, separation, or divorce should prompt a review of your will.
Under BC’s current law, marriage does not automatically revoke an existing will. That means a will made before your marriage may continue to apply, even though it does not reflect your new family circumstances.
Separation can also affect gifts and executor or trustee appointments involving a former spouse, subject to the wording of your will and the legal rules about when spouses cease to be spouses. These changes do not replace a careful review of your entire estate plan.
For example, if your former spouse was your chosen executor and primary beneficiary, you should review who will now administer your estate and who will inherit.
When You Have or Adopt a Child
Welcoming a child is a good time to consider whether your will provides the protection you want for your growing family.
Review how your children would inherit, who would manage their inheritance while they are young, and whether appropriate guardianship arrangements are in place. If you already have a will, check whether its wording includes children born or adopted after it was signed.
As children grow older, their needs may change too. Arrangements that suited a young child may no longer reflect what you want for an adult child.
When Your Financial Circumstances Change
Buying or selling property, starting a business, receiving an inheritance, or experiencing a significant change in your finances are useful reasons to revisit your estate plan.
A financial change does not always require a new will. The question is whether your existing arrangements still achieve your intentions.
For example, if your will leaves a particular property to one person and you later sell it, you should review whether you want that person to receive something else instead.
When an Executor or Beneficiary Dies
Your executor is responsible for administering your estate. If that person dies, becomes unwell, or is no longer willing or suitable to act, review the appointment and any backup you have named.
The death of a beneficiary also warrants a review. Check who would receive their share and whether that outcome matches your wishes. Clear backup arrangements can help avoid uncertainty for the people you leave behind.
When Your Wishes or Family Needs Change
Sometimes the reason to update a will is simply that you want something different.
You may wish to include a grandchild, support a charity, change how an inheritance is managed, or make provision for a family member with additional needs. These are all reasons to review your existing instructions.
If you are considering excluding a spouse or child, seek advice before making the change. In BC, a spouse or child may ask the court to vary a will that does not make adequate provision for their proper maintenance and support.
How Often Should You Review Your Will?
A practical habit is to review your will every few years and after any major life event. A review does not necessarily mean rewriting it. It may simply confirm that your beneficiaries, executor, and other arrangements remain appropriate.
Ask yourself: Does this document still reflect my family, my assets, and my wishes?
Make Changes Properly
Avoid simply crossing out names or adding handwritten instructions to your signed will. Changes must meet legal requirements, and informal alterations can create uncertainty about whether they are effective.
A lawyer can advise whether a formal amendment, called a codicil, or a new will is the better approach.
Keep Your Will Up to Date with ALMA
An up-to-date will can give your family clearer direction at a difficult time. Whether you need your first will or want to review an existing one, ALMA can help you prepare arrangements that reflect your circumstances and wishes.