How life events affect a Will
Marriage automatically revokes an earlier Will in England and Wales unless the document was specifically drafted in contemplation of that marriage. Divorce does not revoke a Will but it treats your former spouse as if they had died, which can produce unintended outcomes. The arrival of children or grandchildren, the death of a beneficiary, a move abroad, or the purchase of significant assets all change the picture.
The April 2027 pension IHT change
From April 2027, unused pension funds will fall within the inheritance tax estate for most people. This is one of the most significant changes to estate planning in a generation. Many existing Wills are drafted on the assumption that pensions pass outside the estate. For larger pension holders, the change can mean substantial additional tax unless the structure is reviewed.
What a Will review involves
A proper review looks at the document itself, the people named in it, the assets in the estate, the tax position, and the family circumstances. It checks whether executors are still appropriate, whether guardians are still the right choice, and whether any new beneficiaries should be added. It also checks the practical mechanics, such as where the original is stored and whether anyone can find it.
What is commonly missing
The most common gaps we see are out-of-date executors, missing letters of wishes, no provision for digital assets, no consideration of business interests, and no coordination with pensions or life insurance nominations. A Will is one piece of a wider plan. On its own, it rarely covers everything that matters.
When to update
As a general rule, every five years, or sooner after any significant life or financial change. If your Will predates your current relationship, your current home, or your current family, it is almost certainly out of date.