Why You Should Regularly Review Your Will
We often see a sense of relief when someone finally signs their Will—“That’s sorted now, thank goodness.” But the truth is, writing your Will isn’t a one-and-done exercise. It’s just the beginning.
At DK Legal, we regularly advise clients across Hawke’s Bay that a Will should be reviewed periodically to ensure it still reflects your circumstances and wishes. Life doesn’t stand still—and neither should your Will.
An outdated or poorly structured Will can lead to confusion, unintended outcomes, and stress for those you leave behind. Below, we outline the most common reasons why reviewing your Will is so important.
Key Life Events That Should Prompt a Will Review
1. Marriage, Civil Union, or Separation
- Getting married or entering a civil union automatically revokes your existing Will—unless it was clearly made in anticipation of that marriage.
- Separation or divorce doesn’t revoke a Will, but any gifts or appointments involving your ex-spouse may no longer apply.
- Simply ending a relationship is not enough. Without a formal separation or divorce, your ex may still have a legal claim.
2. New Children or Dependants
Whether you’ve welcomed a new child by birth or adoption, your Will should be updated to:
- Name legal guardians,
- Provide for their financial future,
- Address any unique needs, especially in blended families or if a child has special care requirements.
3. Death of an Executor, Guardian, or Beneficiary
If someone you’ve named in your Will passes away—whether they’re an executor, guardian, or beneficiary—you’ll need to update your Will to ensure it’s still practical and accurate.
4. Buying or Selling Property
Real estate is a significant asset, and it should be correctly accounted for in your Will. Ownership structure also plays a key role:
- Joint ownership: your share usually passes directly to the other owner.
- Tenancy in common: your share forms part of your estate and is passed on through your Will.
Changes in property or ownership status are a prompt to revisit your estate plan.
5. Significant Financial Changes
A major change in your financial situation—such as an inheritance, property sale, or business transaction—can affect how you want to distribute your assets. You may wish to:
- Update or change beneficiaries,
- Allocate funds to charities,
- Create a trust or plan for tax efficiency.
6. Other Important Life Changes
While the above are the most common triggers, other events that should prompt a Will review include:
- Moving overseas or purchasing foreign property,
- Starting a new business or selling an existing one,
- Health changes or medical diagnoses,
- Changes to family relationships or support needs.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will?
If you pass away without a Will (known as dying intestate), your estate will be distributed according to the Administration Act 1969. This can result in:
- Family members inheriting who you may not have chosen,
- No legal guardians appointed for your children,
- Delays, costs, and stress for those left behind.
Having a legally valid Will ensures that your estate is distributed in accordance with your wishes—not default rules.
Time to Revisit Your Will? We Can Help.
If it's been more than a few years since you last reviewed your Will—or if any of the events above apply to you—now is the time to act.
At DK Legal, we make the process simple, personal, and tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're updating an existing Will or putting one in place for the first time, our experienced team is here to provide clear, practical advice every step of the way.
📞 Contact DK Legal today to arrange a Will review or get started on a new one. Protect your loved ones and ensure your legacy is carried out the way you intend.
