For many clients, getting their will written feels like the “final step” in estate planning—job done, box ticked, and tucked away for decades. But as advisers know all too well, life doesn’t stand still. Families change, finances shift, and tax rules evolve. A will that once protected a client’s wishes can quickly become out of date, or worse, ineffective.

That’s why regular will reviews are just as important as having a will in the first place. As trusted professionals—whether you’re advising on mortgages, pensions, investments, or estate planning—you have a vital role to play in ensuring your clients’ legacy planning remains current and effective.

When Should a Will Be Reviewed?

While a “good rule of thumb” is every 3–5 years, the real triggers for a review are life events and legislative changes. Clients should revisit their will whenever they experience:

• Marriage, divorce, or separation – A marriage can revoke an existing will, while divorce may not automatically exclude an ex-spouse.
• New children or grandchildren – Clients may want to add new beneficiaries, guardianship clauses, or trusts.
• Property transactions – Buying, selling, or inheriting property can shift the value and structure of an estate.
• Inheritance or windfalls – Large transfers of wealth may create new tax considerations.
• Changes to tax law – Adjustments to inheritance tax (IHT) thresholds, reliefs, or allowances can alter estate efficiency.
• Loss of a beneficiary or executor – Sadly, life events may mean appointed people are no longer available or appropriate.

These milestones aren’t unusual—they’re common. And they illustrate why an out-of-date will can be just as risky as not having one at all.

Risks of Neglecting a Will Review

Failing to keep a will up to date can result in:

• Unintended beneficiaries – Assets may pass to people a client no longer wishes to include.
• Family disputes – Out-of-date provisions often trigger conflict among loved ones.
• Inefficient tax outcomes – Without revisions, clients may miss opportunities to mitigate IHT.
• Vulnerable beneficiaries left unprotected – Without appropriate trusts, children, disabled dependants, or those vulnerable to financial abuse may be at risk.
• Executors unable to act – Executors named decades ago may no longer be alive, suitable, or willing to take on the responsibility.

As an adviser, helping clients avoid these risks strengthens your value and builds lasting trust.

How Advisers Can Add Value

Encouraging regular will reviews isn’t about selling a “one-off service”—it’s about embedding estate planning into the wider financial journey.

• Create review checkpoints: Tie will reviews into mortgage renewals, retirement planning, or annual financial reviews.
• Flag trust opportunities: As estates grow, clients may benefit from trusts to protect wealth or provide phased support.
• Check lasting powers of attorney (LPAs): A will covers after death, but LPAs ensure decisions are protected during life if capacity is lost.
• Stay ahead of tax changes: Advisers who connect estate planning with tax efficiency offer clients a holistic service.

Final Thoughts

For clients, a will is peace of mind. For advisers, it’s a living document that must evolve with life itself. By embedding regular will reviews into your client care, you not only safeguard their wishes but also demonstrate your ongoing commitment to protecting families across generations.

At Beneficial Trust & Will Co, we’re here to support advisers with expert drafting, review services, and the tools to ensure no client’s legacy is left vulnerable to chance.

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Beneficial Trust & Will Co - Helping advisers deliver clarity, protection, and peace of mind—one review at a time.

Call your support team on 01522 500823 to discuss your clients situation or email enquiries@btwc.co.uk