When was the last time you actually sat down and looked at your will? If you are like most people, it has probably been years — or maybe you haven’t even gotten around to making one at all. Either way, life has a way of shifting unexpectedly: the people in your life change, assets come and go and what you thought was settled can quickly become outdated.
Taking a little time to revisit your will now gives you the peace of knowing you’ve taken control of your affairs and made sure you can confidently handle whatever comes next.
Why you should keep your will updated
Many people assume that once they have signed their will, the hard part is done. But the truth is, an outdated will can cause more frustration than not having one at all. It can tie up your estate in lengthy probate, send your assets to someone you no longer intend to benefit or even leave out the people you care about most.
On top of that, laws aren’t static — tax rules and estate planning regulations shift, and what once worked for you may no longer hold up legally or reflect your current intentions. Keeping your will current is not just paperwork; it’s also a practical way to protect the people and causes that matter most to you.
When it’s time to review your will
Your will should change as your life does, with certain moments serving as clear signals that it’s time to pause, take stock and ensure everything still reflects your wishes. If you’re unsure, think about whether any of these changes have happened in your life:
- You got married or divorced
- You had or adopted a child or grandchild
- You bought or sold significant assets like a home or business
- You moved to a different state
- Your relationships with heirs or beneficiaries have shifted
Even if none of these events have happened recently, it’s still wise to review your will every three to five years. A quick check now can help you avoid stressful surprises later and ensure your plans stay strong and clear.
Take these steps to update your will
Once you have decided that it is time, updating your will does not have to feel overwhelming. The process becomes manageable when you break it into simple, deliberate steps:
- Pull out your current will and read through it carefully
- Make changes to reflect any updates to assets, debts, heirs or personal wishes
- Think about any new goals or concerns you want to include
- Draft a revised version and sign it properly according to state law
- Store the updated document securely where it can be found when needed
- Let your executor and key family members know where it’s kept
Handling these details now saves your loved ones from confusion or delays later on and, more importantly, ensures that your wishes reflect exactly what you intend and that others follow them as you planned.
What you should do next
Even a well-thought-out will can quietly drift out of step with your life if left unattended, which is why, if you haven’t read yours in a while, this is the perfect moment to do so. A quick review today helps you avoid second-guessing tomorrow. Most of all, it gives you the quiet assurance that your plans are still right where they should be — clearly stated and ready for whatever the future brings.
