Blog

For many families, drafting a will brings a sense of relief and security. It’s a vital step in planning for the future and ensuring that your wishes are respected. However, creating a will isn’t a one-time task. As your life evolves, so should your estate plan. Updating your will ensures it continues to reflect your current circumstances, relationships, and intentions. Without regular updates, even a well-drafted will can become outdated—leading to unintended consequences and unnecessary complications for your loved ones.

Here are seven important reasons to consider revisiting your will and making appropriate changes.

1. Family Circumstances Have Changed

Life brings change, both joyful and challenging. Whether it’s a marriage, divorce, remarriage, birth of a grandchild, or the passing of a loved one, these events can significantly impact your estate plan. You might want to add new beneficiaries, remove former ones, or modify inheritance distributions based on new family circumstances. Updating your will after major life events helps ensure that your plan still reflects your wishes and prevents disputes or confusion among heirs.

2. You’ve Relocated to a New State

If you’ve moved since creating your will, it’s wise to review and update it to comply with your new state’s laws. Every state has different requirements for wills, probate procedures, and property distribution. What’s valid in one state might not meet legal standards in another.

In New Jersey, for example, the laws surrounding elective shares, probate timelines, and executor qualifications may differ from those in your previous home. Simply updating your will now can save your family legal headaches later.

3. Your Financial Situation Has Changed

Changes in your financial status should trigger a review of your estate plan. You may have sold a property, inherited wealth, started a business, or experienced significant changes in income or assets.

An outdated will may not accurately reflect what you currently own—or how you want it to be distributed. Keeping your estate plan aligned with your financial reality helps preserve your legacy and ensures your beneficiaries receive what you intended.

4. Your Executor or Trustee Is No Longer Appropriate

Naming an executor or trustee is one of the most important decisions in your estate plan. This person is responsible for carrying out your instructions, handling paperwork, and distributing your estate. But over time, circumstances change—perhaps your chosen executor has moved, passed away, or is no longer the right fit for the role.

Whether due to logistics, trust, or changes in your relationship, it’s essential to it’s essential to revisit your choice of executor or trustee periodically. Updating your will allows you to appoint someone capable, willing, and trustworthy.

5. Estate and Tax Laws Have Changed

Federal and state laws that affect estate planning often change. What was legal ten years ago may no longer be today. Updates to estate tax thresholds, inheritance rules, and gifting regulations could mean your current plan is no longer as effective as it once was.

By updating your will, you can take advantage of new laws, minimize potential tax burdens for your beneficiaries, and make sure your plan is legally compliant.

6. You Want to Add or Remove Beneficiaries

Your relationships can shift over time, and so can your priorities. You may want to include a new grandchild, leave a gift to a charitable organization, or remove someone who is no longer a part of your life. Without making formal changes to your will, your current intentions may not be honored.

Regular reviews provide the opportunity to update your beneficiary designations and ensure your will still reflects your values and relationships.

7. It’s Been More Than 5 Years Since Your Last Review

Even if your personal and financial circumstances haven’t changed significantly, it’s good practice to review your will every 3 to 5 years. Small details, like outdated contact information or changes in laws, can still make a big difference. A periodic check-in gives you peace of mind that everything is up to date and functioning as it should.

Think of it as a medical check-up. Even if you feel fine, it’s smart to have a professional confirm that everything is in working order.

Is it Time to Update Your Will?

Waiting too long to update your will can create confusion, conflict, and added expense for your family at a time when they’re already coping with loss. Let us help you avoid those challenges and take proactive steps toward securing your legacy.

At Waypoint Legal, we take the time to understand your current goals, family dynamics, and financial picture. Whether you need to make a small change or a complete overhaul of your plan, we’re here to provide clarity, guidance, and long-term support.

Contact us today to schedule a review of your estate plan. We can help ensure that your will is up-to-date and reflects your current wishes.

Updating Your Will FAQs

What kind of life changes should prompt me to update my will?
Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a grandchild, or the death of a loved one are all good reasons to revise your will.

Does moving to a new state affect my existing will?
Yes. Each state has different estate laws and probate rules, so your will should be reviewed to ensure it complies with the legal standards of your new home state.

Should I review my will if my finances have changed?
Yes. A change in income, assets, or the sale or purchase of property may mean your current will no longer reflects your financial reality or your intended distribution.

What if the person I named as executor is no longer the right choice?
If your named executor has passed away, moved, or is no longer a good fit, you should update your will to appoint someone else you trust to manage your estate.

How often should I review my will if nothing major has changed?
It’s recommended to review your will every 3 to 5 years, even if no major life events have occurred, just to ensure all information and designations remain accurate and up to date.

What happens if I don’t update my will after a law change?
Your estate plan may become less effective or even outdated, potentially increasing tax burdens or legal complications for your beneficiaries.