Don’t Set It and Forget It: Why (and How) to Update Your Will Regularly

We get it—nobody likes thinking about their own mortality. Once you finally sit down, draft a will, and sign on the dotted line, the natural instinct is to shove it in a desk drawer and never look at it again.

But life moves fast. A will is not a "one and done" document; it is a living roadmap. If your will is more than a few years old, it might be protecting a version of your life that no longer exists. Here is why—and how—you should keep your estate plan as current as your smartphone software.

Why "Wait and See" is a Risky Strategy

An outdated will can be just as problematic as having no will at all. When your documents don't reflect your current reality, it leads to legal delays, unnecessary taxes, and—most painfully—family feuds.

1. Life’s "Big Five" Milestones

The most obvious reasons to update are the major shifts in your household:

Marriage or Divorce: Legal status changes usually invalidate or complicate previous gifts.
New Additions: Births and adoptions require you to name guardians and set up inheritance protections.
Moving States or Countries: Estate laws vary by jurisdiction; a "legal" will in one place might be a headache in another.
Significant Purchases: Buying a home or starting a business changes the "math" of your estate.
Loss of a Loved One: If a named executor or beneficiary passes away, you need a backup plan immediately.

2. The "Messy" Realities: Disputes and Debts

Life isn't always about happy milestones. Sometimes, the reasons to update are more practical or personal:

Family Disputes & Estrangement: Relationships evolve. If you’ve had a significant falling out or a long-term rift, you may no longer want that person to inherit your assets. Updating ensures your hard-earned legacy goes to those who are actually supportive in your life today.
Changes in Debt & Liabilities: If you have recently taken on a large mortgage, a business loan, or significant debt, your "net" estate has changed. You must ensure your debt-repayment plan doesn't accidentally drain specific cash gifts you intended for others.
Changes in a Beneficiary's Situation: If a loved one develops an addiction or falls into heavy debt, a direct inheritance might be seized by creditors. You may want to update your will to move those funds into a protected trust.

The "Digital Black Hole": Don't Leave Them Locked Out

This is the most common mistake in 2026. Most of us have our entire financial lives on our phones and laptops. If your family cannot unlock your devices, they may never even know your accounts exist.

How to leave a "Digital Master Key":

The "Legacy Contact" Tool: Use the built-in settings on your devices.

Apple: Set up a "Legacy Contact" in your iCloud settings. They will receive a key to access your data after you pass.
Google: Use the "Inactive Account Manager" to give someone access if you haven't logged in for a few months.

The Password Manager: Use a service like 1Password or LastPass and use their "Emergency Access" feature to designate a digital heir.
The Hardware PIN: Do not write your phone PIN in the will (wills become public documents). Instead, leave a "Letter of Wishes" in a sealed envelope with your lawyer or in a home safe that contains the PINs to your laptop and smartphone.

The Essential "Will Wellness" Checklist

Use this checklist every 3 to 5 years to ensure your estate plan is still accurate.

[ ] Verify Your Executor: Is the person you chose a decade ago still willing and mentally/physically able to handle the legal responsibility?
[ ] Review Legal Guardianship: If you have minor children, is the person you picked still the best fit? (e.g., have your parents become too elderly to care for a toddler?)
[ ] Account for New Debt: Have you taken on a mortgage or business loan that changes the value of what you're leaving behind?
[ ] Audit Your Beneficiaries: Are there any new estrangements or reconciled relationships that need to be reflected in your distributions?
[ ] Inventory Digital Assets: Have you included instructions for your social media accounts, cryptocurrency, or cloud-stored photos?
[ ] Check Non-Probate Assets: Remember, your life insurance and 401(k) beneficiaries often override your will. Do they match your current wishes?
[ ] Update Physical Addresses: If you or your beneficiaries have moved, ensure the contact information is current to help the court find everyone quickly.
[ ] Inventory Digital Assets: Have you accounted for cryptocurrency, cloud photos, and online-only bank accounts?
[ ] Unlock the Hardware: Have you provided a way for your executor to get the PIN/Password for your smartphone and laptop?
[ ] The 2FA Gatekeeper: Since most bank logins require a cod

How to Update: 3 Simple Methods

You don’t always have to start from scratch. Depending on the size of the change, you have options:

Method	Best For	How it Works
Codicil	Minor tweaks	A legal "add-on" page that amends specific parts of the existing will.
Restatement	Moderate changes	Rewriting the document while keeping the original date for continuity.
New Will	Major life shifts	A fresh document that explicitly revokes all previous versions.

Final Thoughts

A will is your final gift to your loved ones—it provides them with clarity and peace during an emotionally exhausting time. By keeping it current, you ensure that your wishes are respected and your family is protected from unnecessary stress.

Is your will gathering dust? Take ten minutes this week to read through it. If it doesn't sound like your life anymore, it’s time for an update.