At Gordon & Gordon, our experienced New York City estate planning attorneys have helped countless individuals secure their legacies through thoughtful, tailored estate plans. However, too often, we see clients treat their Last Will and Testament as a one-time task—something to check off the list and forget. The reality? Updating your will regularly is just as important as creating it in the first place.
Whether due to life events, changes in the law, or evolving personal wishes, routine will reviews ensure that your legal documents stay aligned with your goals. In this post, we’ll explore why timely will updates are crucial, what triggers the need for a review, and how working with a qualified estate planning attorney in New York can make all the difference.
Why Updating Your Will Matters
Your will is one of the most critical estate planning documents you’ll ever create. It outlines how your assets will be distributed, names your beneficiaries, and appoints an executor to carry out your wishes. But life doesn’t stand still—and neither should your will.
The importance of updating your will lies in making sure your current circumstances and relationships are accurately reflected. Failing to update your will can lead to unintended consequences, family disputes, and unnecessary delays in estate administration.
Why updating your will matters:
- Ensures your beneficiaries are current
- Reflects any major life events
- Keeps up with changes in the law or your financial situation
- Helps avoid costly probate disputes
Life Events That Require a Will Update
If you’re wondering, “How often should you update your will?” The answer is simple: every three to five years or whenever a major life event occurs. These changes often impact your intentions, relationships, and assets in ways that require legal updates.
Here are the top reasons to update your will:
Marriage or Divorce
Both marriage and divorce can significantly impact your estate plan. If you marry and don’t update your will, your spouse may not be entitled to what you’d wish—or could receive more than you intended. Likewise, after a divorce, you may no longer want your ex-spouse listed as a beneficiary or executor.
Birth or Adoption of a Child
Bringing a child into your life is a joyful milestone, but it’s also a legal turning point. You’ll want to ensure they’re provided for and name a guardian in your will.
Death of a Beneficiary or Executor
If someone named in your will passes away, your plan may no longer be valid or executable as written. This is a crucial reason for periodically updating your will.
Significant Financial Changes
An inheritance, the sale of property, starting a business, or retirement can all impact how you want your assets distributed. Significant financial changes and your will go hand in hand.
Relocation
If you move to a different state—especially to or from New York—your will should be reviewed by a local professional. A New York probate attorney can ensure your estate planning documents comply with state laws.
The Risks of an Outdated Will
You might be asking, “What happens if you don’t update your will?” Unfortunately, the consequences can be serious.
Probate Confusion
Outdated wills often contain provisions that no longer make sense or contradict current laws. This can cause delays, confusion, or even legal challenges during probate.
Unintended Inheritance
If your will still names an ex-spouse or a deceased loved one, the courts may be left to decide how to distribute your assets, potentially going against your actual wishes.
Family Disputes
Nothing strains family relationships like conflict over inheritance. Keeping your will current minimizes the risk of disputes and misunderstandings among heirs.
How Often Should You Review Your Will?
As a general guideline, we recommend:
- A routine will review every three to five years
- An immediate review after any major life event
- Reviews when there are changes in estate or tax laws
Partnering with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney in New York ensures that each update is thorough, legally sound, and fully reflective of your wishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Updating a Will
At Gordon & Gordon, we’ve seen the pitfalls that come with neglecting or improperly updating a will. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Failing to revoke prior wills: Ensure old versions are properly voided to prevent confusion.
- Overlooking beneficiary designations: Some assets, like life insurance or retirement accounts, pass outside of your will.
- DIY updates without legal review: Incomplete or vague updates can be contested or deemed invalid.
Your will is more than a form—it’s a foundational piece of your end-of-life planning. That’s why working with skilled New York estate planning attorneys is essential.
How Gordon & Gordon Can Help
Our team at Gordon & Gordon specializes in wills and trusts, estate planning, and probate law. As experienced New York probate attorneys, we guide clients through every aspect of creating and updating their estate planning documents.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Personalized consultation and document review
- Legally compliant updates that reflect your current wishes
- Ongoing support for periodic will reviews
- Peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected
We understand that life is unpredictable. That’s why we make it easy to stay on top of your will—no stress, no confusion, just compassionate and professional guidance.
Stay in Control of Your Legacy
Keeping your will current is not just about legal compliance—it’s about protecting your family, honoring your intentions, and reducing stress during a difficult time. Routine will updates are an act of care for those you love and a key part of a sound estate planning strategy.
If it’s been a while since you reviewed your will or if you’ve recently experienced a major life change, don’t wait. Reach out to Gordon & Gordon today for a comprehensive will review and peace of mind about your future.