You probably wrote your will with the best intentions—so your loved ones would be looked after. But here’s the thing: life changes. Maybe you’ve moved, gotten married, had kids, or just shifted your priorities. If your will hasn’t changed with you, it might not do what you want it to anymore.
Not sure if it’s time for an update? Here are five clear signs that it’s time to review your will with a solicitor.
1. You’ve Had a Big Life Change
Have you gotten married or divorced recently? Maybe you’ve had a child—or sadly, lost someone close. Any of these events can shift how you want your estate handled.
Even if it felt like a small change at the time, it can have a big impact on your will. If your situation looks different from when you first wrote it, it’s time to update it.
Make sure your will keeps up with your life—speak with a wills solicitor and update it as needed.
2. Someone in Your Will Has Passed Away
If someone named in your will—like a relative, friend, or executor—has passed, you’ll need to revise it. You might need to name someone else to handle your estate, or update who gets what.
Leaving it unchanged can cause stress or confusion for your family later. Working with Solicitors in Adelaide, you can make clear, legally-sound changes that keep everything simple and organised.
3. Your Finances Have Changed
Did you buy a house? Start a business? Inherit money? Or maybe things have shifted in the opposite direction—you sold property or had unexpected expenses.
Whatever changed, your will should match your current financial picture. You don’t want to leave behind a list of gifts or instructions that no longer apply.
A wills solicitor can help you update the details so what you own—and what you give—lines up exactly how you want.
4. You Haven’t Looked at It in Years
When’s the last time you read through your will? If it’s been more than three years, it’s due for a review. Even if everything feels the same, small details may be outdated—addresses, account info, even the way you’ve worded things.
Laws also change over time. You don’t want old legal language causing trouble later. A quick check with Solicitors in Adelaide can catch things you didn’t even know needed fixing.
5. You’ve Simply Changed Your Mind
It’s okay to change your mind. Maybe you want to leave something to a friend or support a charity. Maybe your family dynamics have shifted and you want your will to reflect those changes.
What matters most is writing those changes down properly. Wills solicitors can help you update your will clearly, so your wishes are followed without any confusion.
Why You Shouldn’t Do It Yourself
You might be tempted to just cross things out or write in a few notes—but that can backfire. Handwritten changes might not be legally valid. Worse, they could be misunderstood or ignored completely.
Let a solicitor help you make those updates properly. They’ll ensure everything is clear, legal, and ready to go when needed.
What Happens During a Review?
A review is simple. You bring in your current will, and talk through any changes in your life, finances, or wishes. The solicitor will guide you through what needs to be updated and take care of the paperwork.
It usually doesn’t take long. Also, it can save your loved ones a lot of stress down the road.
In a Nutshell
If your will doesn’t match your life today, it’s time to update it. Don’t wait until it’s too late. A quick review now can save your family a lot of stress later. We’ll walk you through it step by step and make sure everything is clear and up to date.
Are you ready to get started? Talk to our team at Jackson and Associates—we’re here to help you every step of the way.