Margaret had made her will 22 years ago when her children were still teenagers. She'd carefully listed everything—who would get the house, who would manage her affairs, who would look after her granddaughter if the worst happened.
When her husband died suddenly last year, she pulled out the will to review it. Her heart sank.
The executor she'd named was her ex-sister-in-law from her first marriage—someone she hadn't spoken to in 15 years. The guardians for her granddaughter lived abroad now. Her £380,000 estate was tied up in probate for 18 months while the family scrambled to appoint a new executor through the courts.
Margaret's will was legally valid. Every requirement of the law had been met. But it was dangerously outdated.
According to the National Will Register's 2024 report, 53% of UK adults have never discussed what should happen to their estate when they die—and many others fail to update their wills after major life changes. Meanwhile, specialists estimate there are 10,000 cases of will disputes each year in England and Wales.
This guide will help you understand whether your will is still protecting your family—and what to do if it isn't.
Table of Contents
- The Short Answer: Do Wills Expire in the UK?
- What Makes a Will Legally Valid in the UK?
- So Why Doesn't a Will Expire?
- When a Will Becomes Invalid (Without Expiring)
- The Danger of Outdated Wills: Why "Valid" Doesn't Mean "Safe"
- When You Should Review or Update Your Will
- How to Update Your Will in the UK
- What Happens If You Die with an Outdated Will?
- How to Check If Your Will Is Still Fit for Purpose
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Keep Your Will Current with WUHLD
The Short Answer: Do Wills Expire in the UK?
No, wills do not expire in the UK. A validly executed will remains legally valid indefinitely under the Wills Act 1837—there is no expiration date.
Unlike driving licences (valid 10 years) or passports (valid 10 years), wills don't have renewal periods. A will you made 20, 30, even 50 years ago can still be perfectly valid in the eyes of the law.
However, "legally valid" and "fit for purpose" are two very different things.
James discovered his father's will from 1987 in a filing cabinet. Despite being 38 years old, written on a typewriter, and witnessed by people who had since died, the will was perfectly valid under Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. The problem? It divided assets between James's mother (who had divorced his father in 1995) and his father's brother (who died in 2003).
The will was valid. But it created a legal nightmare that took two years and £47,000 in legal fees to resolve.
Understanding why wills don't expire—but why you should still update yours—starts with understanding what makes a will legally valid in the first place.
What Makes a Will Legally Valid in the UK?
For a will to remain valid indefinitely, it must meet specific legal requirements under the Wills Act 1837 set out in Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837.
These five requirements determine whether your will is legally binding:
1. Age: You must be 18 or over when making your will (exception: armed forces members on active duty can make a will at any age)
2. Written: The will must be in writing, whether typed, handwritten, or even printed from a computer
3. Testamentary Capacity: You must be of sound mind—you understand what a will is, what assets you have, and who has a claim on your estate
4. Signature: You must sign the will yourself (or someone can sign on your behalf in your presence and at your direction if you're physically unable)
5. Witnesses: Two independent witnesses, both 18 or over, must watch you sign and then sign the will themselves in your presence
If your will meets these requirements, it's valid. Forever.
Emily's handwritten will from 1992 is still valid because it was signed and witnessed correctly—even though the ink has faded and the paper has yellowed. David's will typed on his computer in 2005 is valid—even though technology has changed dramatically since then.
But there are critical warnings to understand.
Under Section 15 of the Wills Act 1837, if a beneficiary or their spouse acts as a witness, that beneficiary's gift becomes void. Your witnesses must be completely independent—they cannot inherit anything from your will.
The witnesses don't need to read your will. They don't need to know what's in it. They don't even need to sign in each other's presence. They simply need to watch you sign, then add their own signatures while you're present.
According to specialists Dutton Gregory, 25% of will disputes involve claims that the deceased lacked testamentary capacity. In 2023, there were 122 contested probate cases in court—an increase from 116 in 2022.
These disputes happen because people assume "old" means "invalid." It doesn't. Age doesn't invalidate a will—but life changes can.
So Why Doesn't a Will Expire?
The Wills Act 1837 established no time limit on validity because the law recognizes a fundamental principle: your will expresses your intentions at the time of your death, not the time of writing.
This is called testamentary freedom—your right to decide what happens to your estate.
The law assumes you want your most recent will to stand unless you deliberately revoke it. It creates stability and certainty. Without this principle, families wouldn't know whether a 10-year-old will still applied, or whether they needed to search for a more recent version.
But wills don't expire. They're revoked.
There are only three ways a will becomes invalid:
1. You create a new will that explicitly states it revokes all previous wills and codicils. Most wills include this clause in the opening paragraph.
2. You deliberately destroy the will by burning, tearing, or shredding it with the clear intention to revoke it. Accidental damage doesn't count—but it creates evidential problems that can delay probate.
3. You get married or enter a civil partnership. This automatically revokes any will made before the marriage under Section 18 of the Wills Act 1837—unless the will was made "in contemplation of marriage" to your spouse.
When Thomas died in 2024, his executor found two wills: one from 2008 and one from 2019. Both were legally valid in their execution. But the 2019 will automatically revoked the earlier one. The 2008 will had no legal standing—not because it had "expired," but because it had been superseded.
This is why understanding revocation is critical. Cases requiring 12 months or more to resolve increased by 518% between 2019 and 2024—often because families don't understand which will is valid.
When a Will Becomes Invalid (Without Expiring)
While wills don't have expiry dates, specific life events can invalidate them instantly. These events create urgent deadlines for updating your will.
Marriage or Civil Partnership (Automatic Revocation)
If you get married or enter a civil partnership, Section 18 of the Wills Act 1837 automatically revokes any will made before that date—unless the will was made "in contemplation of marriage."
This exception only applies if your will explicitly states it's made in anticipation of marriage to a named person. The will must say something like: "This will is made in contemplation of my marriage to [name]."
Sophie made a will in 2018 leaving everything to her partner, Lisa. When they entered a civil partnership in 2022, Sophie's will was automatically revoked by law. She died in 2024 without making a new will.
Under intestacy rules, her entire £210,000 estate went to her estranged parents—not Lisa. Learn more about what happens when you die without a valid will.
The Law Commission has recommended removing automatic revocation by marriage, but this is not yet law. As of 2025, marriage still revokes your will.
Divorce or Dissolution (Partial Invalidation)
Divorce doesn't revoke your entire will. Instead, your ex-spouse is treated as if they died before you. Any gifts to them fail, and they're removed as executor or trustee.
This sounds helpful, but it creates problems.
After his divorce in 2020, Michael never updated his 2015 will. When he died in 2024, his ex-wife couldn't inherit (correct outcome), but his estate went to his brother—the backup beneficiary—instead of his new partner of three years.
Michael's will was valid. But it didn't reflect his wishes. Learn more about updating your will after divorce.
Creating a New Will
Most wills begin with: "I revoke all former wills and codicils." This clause makes your new will the only valid one.
Even without that clause, a new will generally revokes earlier ones—but only to the extent they're inconsistent. If your new will doesn't cover all assets, the old will might still apply to some property.
This creates confusion and disputes. Always explicitly revoke all previous wills.
Undue Influence or Lack of Capacity
If someone pressured you into making a will, or you lacked mental capacity when signing, the will was never valid to begin with.
According to Dutton Gregory, 25% of will disputes involve claims of undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity. These cases can cost families over £150,000 in legal fees.
If you've married, divorced, or remarried since making your will, check its status immediately. Even if your will is technically "valid," it may not work the way you think.
The Danger of Outdated Wills: Why "Valid" Doesn't Mean "Safe"
Here's the uncomfortable truth: An outdated will can be worse than no will at all.
At least with no will, your family knows they're dealing with intestacy rules. An outdated will creates false security—until it's too late.
New Children Not Included
According to research from 2024, 59% of UK parents don't have a will or have one that's out of date. Children born after a will was made may not inherit. Stepchildren almost never inherit without explicit mention.
Robert's will from 2012 left his estate equally between his two children from his first marriage. When he died in 2024, his widow discovered the will made no provision for their 8-year-old daughter, born in 2016.
The family is now in court. His daughter from his second marriage may receive nothing from his £520,000 estate unless the court intervenes under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Named Executors or Guardians Have Died
Executors may have died, become incapacitated, moved abroad, or simply be unsuitable 20 years later. Guardians you named for your children may no longer be appropriate.
Creating court applications to appoint replacement executors costs thousands and delays probate by months.
Assets Have Changed Dramatically
Karen's will from 2005 left her £180,000 house to her sister. By 2024, she'd sold that house and bought a £420,000 property. She'd also accumulated £150,000 in savings and a pension worth £210,000.
Her will only specifically addressed a property that no longer existed. The courts had to interpret her "true intentions"—a process that cost her estate £28,000 and took 14 months.
UK Law Has Changed
Wills made before 2017 don't include provisions for the residence nil-rate band. This additional allowance, now £175,000 per person, can save families up to £70,000 in inheritance tax.
David's will from 2010 didn't include residence nil-rate band provisions. His family paid £70,000 more in inheritance tax than necessary—money that could have funded his grandchildren's university education.
Other legal changes affecting wills include:
- Digital assets legislation (your will should address online accounts, cryptocurrency, cloud storage)
- Upcoming pension IHT changes from April 2027
- Civil partnership recognition
- Same-sex marriage
Family Relationships Have Deteriorated
Beneficiaries you named 15 years ago may now be estranged. Siblings who were close may no longer speak. The person you trusted to be executor may be the last person you'd choose today.
According to a 2024 inheritance disputes survey, 22% of UK residents would contest a loved one's will. Three in four people will experience a will or inheritance dispute in their lifetime.
Your will is legally valid. But is it protecting the people you love today—or the people you loved 10 years ago?
When You Should Review or Update Your Will
The UK Government recommends reviewing your will every 5 years at minimum. Solicitors recommend every 3 years. Best practice? Review it whenever your life changes significantly.
You should update your will immediately after these life events:
1. Marriage or Civil Partnership Your old will is automatically revoked. Create a new one immediately—or make your will "in contemplation of marriage" before the ceremony.
2. Divorce or Dissolution Your ex-spouse loses their gifts, but the will may not distribute assets as you now intend. Create a new will to ensure your estate goes where you want.
3. Having or Adopting Children Include new children by name, appoint guardians, and set up trusts if they're minors. Review every time your family grows.
4. Death of a Beneficiary or Executor Name replacement beneficiaries and executors. Update backup choices. Without this, the court must appoint administrators.
5. Significant Change in Assets Buying or selling property, receiving an inheritance, starting or selling a business, or significant pension growth all require will updates.
If your pension is worth significantly more than when you made your will, this is especially important. From April 2027, pensions will count toward inheritance tax.
6. Moving Abroad or Beneficiaries Moving International estate planning is complex. Different countries have different tax rules and probate processes. Get specialist advice.
7. Relationship Breakdown Even if you're not married, you may want to remove partners from your will. Update executors if friends or family are estranged.
8. Change in Tax Laws The residence nil-rate band was introduced in 2017. Wills made before then may not maximize tax efficiency. Upcoming pension IHT changes in 2027 will affect many estates.
Put a reminder in your calendar to review your will every 3 years. Create a "Will Review Checklist" and check it after any major life event. Keep a list of your assets and beneficiaries with your will—update it annually.
How to Update Your Will in the UK
You have three options for updating your will. Modern online services have made one option dramatically more affordable and convenient.
Option 1: Create a Codicil (Amendment)
A codicil is a separate legal document that amends specific parts of your existing will. It must be signed and witnessed exactly like the original will.
When to use it: Very minor changes like updating an executor's address or a small gift amendment.
Pros: Historically cheaper than a full rewrite. Preserves the original will.
Cons: Creates confusion when you have two documents to interpret. Multiple codicils become messy. Risk of contradictions. With modern online services, a codicil costs the same as a new will.
Cost with solicitor: £100-£250
With WUHLD, creating an entirely new will costs less than most solicitors charge for a codicil—and there's no risk of confusion.
Option 2: Create a New Will (Recommended)
A complete replacement will with a clause revoking all previous wills. This starts fresh with your current intentions.
When to use it: Multiple changes needed, major life events (marriage, divorce, new children), or if your old will is structurally outdated. Recommended for most updates.
Pros: Clean slate—no confusion. Ensures everything is current. Addresses new legal requirements like digital assets.
Cons: More expensive than a codicil with traditional solicitors. Takes time for solicitor appointments, drafting, and revisions.
Cost comparison:
Method | Single Will | Mirror Wills (Couple) | Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
High Street Solicitor | £150-£400 | £250-£700 | 2-6 weeks |
Specialist Will Firm | £200-£300 | £350-£600 | 2-4 weeks |
Online Service (WUHLD) | £99.99 | £99.99 each | 15 minutes |
WUHLD gives you a complete, legally valid will for £99.99—less than most solicitors charge for a simple codicil.
You get:
- Legally valid will compliant with Wills Act 1837
- 12-page Testator Guide explaining how to execute your will
- Witness Guide to give to your witnesses
- Complete Asset Inventory document
- FREE preview before you pay anything
- 15-minute online process
- Unlimited changes before finalizing
- No subscriptions or hidden fees
Option 3: Destroy Old Will and Write New One
Physically destroy your old will (burn, shred) and create a new one from scratch.
When to use it: Complete change in circumstances. You want to ensure no confusion about which will is valid.
Critical warning: NEVER destroy your old will until your new will is signed and witnessed. Destroying your only will means you die intestate if something happens before you create the new one.
Process for updating with WUHLD:
- Answer questions online and preview your draft will (free)
- Review carefully—make sure everything reflects your current wishes
- Pay £99.99 (one-time payment, no subscription)
- Download four documents (will + three guides)
- Print and sign following the instructions for valid execution
- Destroy your old will once the new will is signed and witnessed
Updating your will should be simple, affordable, and stress-free. That's exactly what WUHLD delivers.
What Happens If You Die with an Outdated Will?
The consequences of an outdated will ripple through every aspect of probate—from executor challenges to family disputes to tax inefficiencies.
Executor Challenges
If your named executor has died, the court must appoint an administrator. This process costs money and delays probate by months.
If your named executor has moved abroad, they'll need expensive legal representation to act. If they're estranged from your family, they may refuse to act—creating conflict and further delays.
According to UK probate statistics, cases requiring 12 months or more to resolve increased by 518% between 2019 and 2024. The average simple probate takes 6-9 months. Contested probate can take 18 months to 3 years or more.
Unintended Beneficiaries
Ex-partners may receive gifts if your will predates your first marriage. Estranged family members may inherit. Organizations you no longer support may receive bequests. New family members may be excluded entirely.
When Patricia died with a will from 2008, her estate was divided between her two children from her first marriage—as the will specified. Her husband of 10 years received only his statutory entitlement under intestacy law.
He had to make an Inheritance Act claim to receive a fair share. This cost £40,000 in legal fees and destroyed his relationship with her children.
Family Disputes and Will Contests
Specialists estimate there are 10,000 will disputes each year in England and Wales. Probate disputes reaching court have increased by 37% over the past decade.
Common grounds for challenging outdated wills include:
- Inheritance Act claims (family not adequately provided for)
- Lack of testamentary capacity
- Undue influence
- The will doesn't reflect the testator's true intentions
Disputes over testamentary capacity can cost over £150,000 in legal fees alone.
Tax Inefficiencies
David's will from 2010 didn't include residence nil-rate band provisions—introduced in 2017. This additional £175,000 allowance per person could have saved his family up to £70,000 in inheritance tax.
From April 2027, pensions will count toward inheritance tax. Wills made before 2027 won't address this change.
Beyond the money and time, outdated wills tear families apart. Siblings stop speaking. Children contest their parents' intentions. Grief is compounded by legal battles.
As the UK Inheritance Disputes Report states: "The consequences of inaction reach beyond financial loss and often lead to lasting damage to family relationships."
The good news? Updating your will is simple, affordable, and gives you immediate peace of mind.
How to Check If Your Will Is Still Fit for Purpose
Even if your will doesn't expire, you should ask: Does it still protect the people I love?
Here's how to find out in 10 minutes.
Will Review Checklist
Personal Circumstances:
- Are you married or in a civil partnership since making this will?
- Have you divorced or dissolved a civil partnership?
- Have you had children or grandchildren born since this will?
- Have any of your named beneficiaries died?
- Have any of your named executors died or become unsuitable?
- Have any named guardians for your children become unsuitable?
- Have your relationships changed (estrangement, reconciliation)?
Assets and Financial Situation:
- Have you bought or sold property?
- Have you started, sold, or closed a business?
- Has your pension value increased significantly?
- Have you received an inheritance since making this will?
- Do you have digital assets not mentioned (cryptocurrency, social media, cloud storage)?
- Are your specific gifts still accurate (e.g., "my house at [address]")?
Legal and Tax Changes:
- Was this will made before 2017? (Residence nil-rate band introduced)
- Does it address digital assets? (Legislation updated in recent years)
- Does it consider pension IHT changes from April 2027?
- Does it use outdated language or legal terms?
Execution and Storage:
- Is the will signed by you?
- Is it witnessed by two people who aren't beneficiaries?
- Do you know where the original is stored?
- Do your executors know where to find it?
- Is it stored safely (not just in a drawer)?
Red Flags—Update Immediately If:
- Will made before your current marriage or civil partnership
- Named executors or guardians have died
- Will doesn't mention children born in the last 10 years
- You've moved abroad or beneficiaries have
- Asset values changed dramatically (inheritance, property sale)
- Will is more than 5 years old and never reviewed
What to Do Next
If 0-2 boxes checked: Your will is likely still fit for purpose. Set a reminder to review it in 12 months.
If 3-5 boxes checked: Your will needs updating. Consider creating a new will within the next 3 months.
If 6+ boxes checked: Your will is significantly outdated. Update it immediately—ideally this week.
Not sure if your will needs updating? Create a free preview with WUHLD—no credit card required. See exactly what a current will would look like, then decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a will expire in the UK?
No, wills do not expire in the UK. A validly executed will remains legally valid indefinitely, even if it was created decades ago. However, a will can become outdated if your circumstances change, and it can be invalidated by certain life events like marriage or divorce.
How long is a will valid for in the UK?
A will is valid forever in the UK as long as it was properly executed under Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 and hasn't been revoked. There is no time limit on will validity. However, experts recommend reviewing your will every 3-5 years to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
What automatically invalidates a will in the UK?
Marriage or civil partnership automatically revokes any will made before the marriage, unless the will was made "in contemplation of marriage." Divorce doesn't revoke a will, but your ex-spouse is treated as if they died before you. Creating a new will also revokes all previous wills.
Can I still use a will that's 20 years old?
Yes, a 20-year-old will is still legally valid if it was properly executed and hasn't been revoked. However, it's likely outdated—UK laws have changed, your circumstances may be different, and beneficiaries may have died. You should review and update it immediately.
What happens if my will is outdated but still valid?
An outdated will can cause serious problems even if it's legally valid. Your estate may go to ex-partners, exclude new children, name deceased executors, or fail to account for new assets. This often leads to family disputes, inheritance claims, and lengthy probate delays.
How often should I update my will?
You should review your will every 3-5 years as a minimum, and update it immediately after major life events: marriage, divorce, having children, buying property, moving abroad, or if a beneficiary or executor dies. Studies show that 53% of UK adults have never discussed their estate plans with anyone, and many more neglect to update their wills when circumstances change.
How much does it cost to update a will in the UK?
Updating a will with a solicitor typically costs £150-£400 for a simple will, or £250-£700 for mirror wills. Online services like WUHLD cost just £99.99 for a complete, legally valid will with free updates forever—you can create an entirely new will whenever your circumstances change.
Keep Your Will Current with WUHLD
Key takeaways:
- Wills don't expire in the UK, but they become outdated when your life changes
- Marriage automatically revokes your will; divorce partially invalidates it
- Review your will every 3-5 years and after every major life event
- Outdated wills cause family disputes, probate delays, and unintended inheritance
- Updating your will is quick and affordable with modern online services
Your will was perfect when you made it. But if your life has changed—and it almost certainly has—your will needs to change too.
Don't let legal validity create false security. Protect the people you love today, not the people you loved years ago.
WUHLD makes updating your will simple, affordable, and stress-free. For just £99.99, you get a complete, legally valid will that reflects your current life—not your past.
Preview your will free before paying anything. Complete it online in 15 minutes. Download all four documents immediately:
- Your complete, legally binding will
- 12-page Testator Guide explaining how to execute your will properly
- Witness Guide to give to your witnesses
- Complete Asset Inventory document
No subscriptions. No hidden fees. No appointments. Just a will that actually protects your family—from £99.99.
Preview Your Will Free – No Payment Required
Related Articles
- What Is an Executor? Duties, Powers, and Responsibilities
- How to Make a Will in the UK: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- What Is a Codicil? When to Amend vs Rewrite Your Will
- Who Can Witness a Will in the UK?
- Where to Store Your Will Safely in the UK
Legal Disclaimer This article provides general information about wills in the UK and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your individual situation, please consult a qualified solicitor. WUHLD's online will service is suitable for straightforward UK estates; complex situations (international assets, business succession, trusts for disabled beneficiaries) may require professional legal advice.
Sources:
- Wills Act 1837 - legislation.gov.uk
- Section 9, Wills Act 1837 (Execution Requirements) - legislation.gov.uk
- Section 18, Wills Act 1837 (Revocation by Marriage) - legislation.gov.uk
- The National Wills Report 2024 - National Will Register
- Inheritance Dispute Statistics: 2024 Rising Trends - Dutton Gregory Solicitors
- Making a Will - GOV.UK
- Inheritance Tax nil-rate band, residence nil-rate band from 6 April 2028 - GOV.UK
- Making a will - Citizens Advice