Your will shouldn’t remain static over time. As your life evolves, your estate plan must evolve with it. Frequent updates keep your intentions accurate, enforceable, and aligned with your current circumstances.
Major life changes call for updates
Major life events demand a review of your will. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a loved one all represent pivotal moments. Changes in assets—such as acquiring property, launching a business, or receiving an inheritance—also require updates.
These developments shift who should receive your assets and who should manage your estate. When you ignore these changes, your outdated will can fail to represent your actual wishes.
Review your will every few years
Even without major events, review your will every three to five years. Laws can change, and your personal relationships or priorities might evolve. A periodic review lets you find and fix outdated details, like old addresses or irrelevant appointments.
You should also reevaluate your choices for executors or guardians. Updating these roles ensures the right individuals carry out your plans based on your current level of trust and confidence.
Common signs it’s time to update
You should revise your will if someone named in it has died, moved, or no longer plays a role in your life. Large financial shifts—like paying off debt, acquiring wealth, or downsizing—can also affect how you want to distribute your estate.
Starting or ending significant personal relationships should also prompt a review. Missouri law can override outdated wills in cases involving marriage or divorce, especially if your will doesn’t reflect those events.
Updating your will protects your legacy and reduces confusion. Clear, current instructions help ensure others carry out your wishes and ease the process for your loved ones.
