A will isn't a set-it-and-forget-it document. Your life changes — and your estate plan should change with it. A will written when you were 30, single, and renting an apartment may be completely inadequate at 45 with a spouse, two kids, a mortgage, and retirement accounts.
The good news: updating a will in 2026 is easier and cheaper than ever. Online services like Trust & Will and Nolo WillMaker let you modify your will and print a new signed copy in under an hour. Here's exactly when and how to do it.
When You Must Update Your Will
These life events should trigger an immediate will review:
💍 Marriage
Your spouse is typically not automatically included in a pre-existing will. Update immediately after marrying to include your new spouse as beneficiary and/or executor.
💔 Divorce
Most states revoke bequests to an ex-spouse automatically upon divorce, but the safest approach is a completely new will. Also update beneficiary designations on all accounts.
👶 New Child or Grandchild
After each birth or adoption, update your will to name the new child as a beneficiary and designate or confirm a guardian.
⚰️ Death of a Named Person
If a beneficiary, executor, or guardian dies, your will's instructions for them need to be updated. Who gets their share? Who is the backup executor?
🏠 Major Asset Changes
Buying real estate, receiving an inheritance, selling a business, or significant changes to retirement accounts all warrant reviewing your will's distribution plan.
📍 Moving to a New State
State-specific witnessing, notarization, and formal requirements vary. While a will from another state is often valid, a state-specific update is recommended when you move.
👥 Relationship Changes
If your relationship with a named executor or guardian has changed — estrangement, trust issues — update your will immediately.
📅 Regular Review
Even without major events, review your will every 3–5 years. Life and law both change; what was appropriate years ago may not still be.
Codicil vs. New Will: Which Should You Use?
Ad — affiliate link
What Is a Codicil?
A codicil is an amendment to an existing will — a separate legal document that changes specific provisions. A codicil must be signed and witnessed with the same formalities as the original will. It doesn't replace the will; it modifies it.
When a Codicil Makes Sense
- Minor changes — updating the executor's address, small changes to a specific bequest
- Single isolated change that doesn't affect other provisions
- When recreating the entire will would be significantly more complex or expensive than the change merits
When to Create a Completely New Will
In most situations, creating a new will is cleaner and safer than a codicil:
- Multiple changes in different sections
- After marriage or divorce (big structural changes)
- After a named executor or primary beneficiary dies
- When the changes are extensive enough that the codicil is nearly as long as the will itself
- When using an online service where creating a new document is as easy as updating answers
The risk of codicils: confusion. If the original will and codicil contradict each other, courts must sort out intent. A clean new will with clear language is simpler and reduces this risk.
Never Write on Your Existing Will
This bears special emphasis: never write on a signed, executed will. Crossing out words, adding notes in the margin, or changing amounts directly on the document can:
- Invalidate the entire will in some states
- Create genuine uncertainty about what the testator intended
- Lead to expensive court hearings to determine intent
Even if your change seems minor, always use a properly executed codicil or new will to make it official.
How to Update Your Will Online
Three services make updating a will particularly easy:
Trust & Will — Best for Updates
Trust & Will saves your completed will in your account. When you need to update, simply log in, revise your answers, generate a new document, and print/sign. Their optional annual membership covers unlimited updates throughout the year — ideal if you're making several changes at once or expect to update regularly.
Update Your Will with Trust & Will
Your existing answers are saved — just update what changed, generate a new document, and sign. Takes less than 30 minutes.
Update Your Will →Nolo WillMaker — Best for Long-Term Value
Nolo's one-time purchase model includes lifetime updates to the software. When you need to revise your will, open the software, make changes, print, and sign. No additional fees ever. This model is particularly attractive if you expect to update your will multiple times over many years. Get Nolo WillMaker →
LawDepot — Best for Low Monthly Cost
LawDepot's $9.95/month subscription gives you access to all documents including will creation and updates. If you update your will frequently, their subscription covers unlimited changes with a quick sign-and-print. Try LawDepot →
After Updating Your Will
Once you've created a new will or codicil:
- Properly execute the new document with required signatures and witnesses
- Revoke the old will — either by destroying it, or ensuring the new will contains explicit revocation language ("I revoke all prior wills and codicils")
- Update your executor — give them the new document and tell them the old one is revoked
- Destroy old copies — if anyone has a copy of the old will, retrieve and destroy it to prevent confusion
- Update beneficiary designations if changes are related to those accounts
Also see: The Complete Estate Planning Checklist for 2026 — useful to run through after any major will update to make sure nothing else needs updating.