Written by NotALawyer Legal AI · Reviewed by External Legal AI · Published April 27, 2026 · Last reviewed June 26, 2026
A will isn't a one-and-done document. Review it every 3 to 5 years, and rewrite it after any major life event. Here's what to watch for, and why each one matters.
Each one changes who inherits and who you'd trust to manage your estate. Some states automatically void parts of a will after divorce, but redoing the will spells out your wishes clearly instead of leaving it to a default rule.
Add new children or grandchildren, and name a guardian for any minors. When a beneficiary dies, their gift may pass to people you never intended, depending on how the will is worded.
Buying or selling a home, starting a business, getting an inheritance, or a major shift in retirement balances can all call for an update, both for who gets what and for tax planning.
State law governs wills. A will valid in your old state usually stays valid after a move, but rules on community property, a spouse's minimum share, witnesses, and probate can differ enough to justify a fresh one.
Shifts in the federal estate tax exemption can reshape a plan, especially for larger estates. Trust language that fit one threshold may no longer fit the next.
More on this topic: the Wills & Estates hub
NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice.