How often should I update my will?

Review it every three to five years and immediately after major life events such as marriage, divorce, a new child, a death, a move, or a big change in assets. Many reviews confirm no change is needed.

Does getting married change my will?

In some jurisdictions marriage automatically revokes a prior will unless it was made in contemplation of the marriage. Others (like Ontario and BC) have removed this rule. Review your will right after marrying.

What does divorce do to my will?

It commonly revokes gifts to and the appointment of a former spouse, treating them as having predeceased you. This can affect the rest of the will, so update it after separating or divorcing.

Do I need a new will if I move provinces?

Your existing will is usually still valid, but local rules differ — especially between common-law provinces and Quebec, or between countries. Have it reviewed against the rules where you now live.

When to Update Your Will: Life Events That Trigger a Review

Making a will is not a one-time task. Life changes, and a will that no longer matches your circumstances can send assets to the wrong people, name an executor who has moved away or died, or be partly revoked by a marriage. This article covers the events that should prompt you to review and update your will, and how often to check it. It is general information, not legal advice.

How often should I review my will?

A good habit is to review your will every three to five years even if nothing dramatic has changed, and immediately after any major life event. Laws, tax rules, and your assets all shift over time.

A quick review is not the same as a rewrite. Often you will confirm everything is still correct; sometimes a small update is enough; occasionally a big change calls for a new will.

Which life events should trigger an update?

Certain events are clear signals to revisit your will. Some, like marriage or divorce, can even change the will's legal effect automatically in some jurisdictions.

Treat each of the following as a prompt to review your will and your beneficiary designations together, since they work as one plan.

Marriage, remarriage, or a new common-law relationship.
Divorce or separation.
The birth or adoption of a child or grandchild.
The death of a beneficiary, executor, or guardian.
A move to another province, state, or country.
A significant change in your assets or debts.
Starting, selling, or winding down a business.

How does marriage or divorce affect my will?

In many places, marriage automatically revokes a prior will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage — so an old will can vanish, leaving an intestacy. Some provinces (such as Ontario and BC) have ended this rule.

Divorce often revokes gifts to a former spouse and their appointment as executor, but treats them as having died first — which can have knock-on effects on the rest of the will. Either event warrants an immediate review.

What if I move to another province or country?

A will valid where you made it is usually still recognized after a move, but local rules on spousal rights, probate, and formalities differ. A will written for one jurisdiction may not fit your new one well.

After relocating, have your will reviewed against the rules where you now live, especially if you move between common-law and civil-law systems (for example, into or out of Quebec) or between countries.

What happens if I do not update my will?

An outdated will can name a deceased or estranged executor, leave gifts to ex-partners, omit new children, or fail to reflect assets you no longer own. The result is confusion, disputes, and outcomes you would not have chosen.

In the worst case — where a marriage revoked the old will and no new one exists — you die intestate, and the default formula takes over entirely.

How does iFinallyWill make updates easy?

iFinallyWill includes lifetime updates, so you can revise your will whenever life changes and regenerate a fresh, consistent document — no need to start from scratch or stack codicils.

It is good practice to log in after any event on the list above, confirm your choices, and re-sign if needed. Keeping the will current is just as important as making it in the first place.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I update my will?: Review it every three to five years and immediately after major life events such as marriage, divorce, a new child, a death, a move, or a big change in assets. Many reviews confirm no change is needed.
Does getting married change my will?: In some jurisdictions marriage automatically revokes a prior will unless it was made in contemplation of the marriage. Others (like Ontario and BC) have removed this rule. Review your will right after marrying.
What does divorce do to my will?: It commonly revokes gifts to and the appointment of a former spouse, treating them as having predeceased you. This can affect the rest of the will, so update it after separating or divorcing.
Do I need a new will if I move provinces?: Your existing will is usually still valid, but local rules differ — especially between common-law provinces and Quebec, or between countries. Have it reviewed against the rules where you now live.