How Often Should You Update Your Will
Review Every 3–5 Years — or After Major Life Changes
You should review and consider updating your will every 3–5 years or whenever a major life change happens. Here's when to update it:
Life Events That Warrant an Update:
Marriage or divorce
Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
Death of a beneficiary, executor, or guardian
Significant financial changes (e.g., inheritance, business sale, buying/selling property)
Relocation to a new state or country (laws may differ)
New relationships or estrangements (e.g., someone new you want to include—or exclude)
Change in wishes (charity donations, guardianship preferences, etc.)
Tip:
Even if no changes are needed, reviewing it every few years helps ensure your wishes stay aligned with your life.
How Often Should You Update Your Will?
August is National Make-A-Will Month—a perfect reminder that your will isn’t a “set it and forget it” document. Life changes—and so should your will.
While there’s no legal requirement to update it on a set schedule, experts recommend reviewing it every 3–5 years or any time a major life event occurs.
Think of it like your life’s blueprint for after you’re gone. If the blueprint changes but you forget to update it, the final outcome might not match what you wanted.
When to Update Your Will
Here are some of the most common life events that should trigger a review (and likely an update) to your will:
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Your relationship status can have a huge impact on who inherits your assets and who makes decisions on your behalf.
This might also be a chance to update your emergency contact while you’re at it.
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Adding a new family member? You’ll want to name guardians, update beneficiaries, and ensure they’re provided for in your estate plan.
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If someone named in your will passes away, you’ll need to replace them in your instructions to avoid confusion later.
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This includes things like receiving an inheritance, selling a business, or buying/selling property.
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Estate laws vary widely. Moving could mean your will no longer meets the legal requirements where you live now.
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Sometimes you’ll want to add new people to your will. Or, if you have had it with your sister Sherri- you can cut her out.
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Maybe you want to donate to a charity, change guardianship preferences, or update how specific items are passed down.
How Long Does Updating a Will Take?
In most cases, less than an hour.
Small changes (like replacing an executor or adding a new beneficiary) can often be done in under 30 minutes.
More complex updates (involving large financial changes or legal nuances) might take an hour or two, especially if you’re meeting with an attorney.
What Does It Cost?
DIY online updates: $0–$150 (if you originally created your will using an online platform, you can often log in and make changes for free or a small fee).
Attorney-assisted updates: $150–$600+ depending on complexity, your location, and the attorney’s rates.
Complete rewrites: Sometimes easier than editing—cost varies based on your estate’s size and the level of customization.
What’s the Process?
Review your current will to see what’s outdated.
Decide if you need an amendment (codicil) or a completely new will.
Work with your attorney or update via your online platform.
Sign and witness the updated document according to your state’s requirements.
Store it securely and let your executor know where to find it.
Pro Tip: Review Even if You Don’t Update
Even if you don’t make changes, a quick review every few years helps confirm your wishes still match your life today.
Final Word
Your will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever write. In honor of National Make-A-Will Month, take a few minutes to make sure yours reflects the life you’re living now—not the one you had years ago. Updating is quicker, easier, and often cheaper than people think—and it’s one of the best gifts you can leave your loved ones.