Because Life Changes — It’s Worth Checking Your Will Still Reflects Your Wishes
Why should I update my Will?
A Will isn’t something you need to update every year but it’s also not something you should forget about once it’s signed.
Your circumstances change. Families grow, relationships shift, property is bought or sold. A quick review every so often can make sure your Will still reflects what matters to you.
When should I review my Will?
We suggest reviewing your Will after any major life change:
- Marriage, separation, or divorce
- The birth of a child or grandchild
- Buying or selling your home
- Inheriting money or assets
- A change in who you trust to carry out your wishes
- The death of someone named in your Will
Even if none of those apply, it’s still worth reviewing your Will now and again — especially if it’s been several years since you last looked at it. If it no longer feels quite right, it might be time for a refresh.
Can I just write on the old copy?
No — handwritten changes, even if signed, aren’t legally valid.
To make sure any updates are recognised in law, you’ll need to either:
- Sign a legal amendment (called a codicil), or
- Write a new Will that replaces the old one entirely
We’ll talk you through what’s best for your situation.
What if my Will was made with someone else?
That’s no problem. We can review and update your existing Will, even if it was written by another solicitor or bought online. It’s common for people to update their Will elsewhere — what matters is that it’s legally sound and up to date.
Free Will Review
If you’re not sure whether your Will still covers what you need, we offer a free Will review. We’ll look over your current Will, talk through your situation, and help you decide if anything needs to be changed.
There’s no obligation — just clear advice from a team that understands how life evolves.
We’re here to help
We’ve been helping clients across the Scottish Borders write and update their Wills for over 25 years.
We can meet in person or start the conversation over phone and we also offer home or hospital visits if needed.
📍 Kelso • Duns • Selkirk • Jedburgh • Coldstream • Eyemouth01573 226999. | enq@hastingslegal.co.uk
