Life rarely stays the same for long. You may have gotten married, welcomed a child, purchased a home, changed jobs, or moved to Texas since you first created your will. The good news is that you don't necessarily have to start your estate plan from scratch every time life changes.
If you've been wondering how to update a will, you're not alone. Many people assume making changes is expensive or requires completely rewriting their estate planning documents. In reality, some updates are relatively simple, while others are better handled by creating a new will altogether.
Understanding when and how to make changes can help ensure your wishes are accurately reflected and that your loved ones have clear instructions when the time comes.
A common rule of thumb among estate planning professionals is to review your estate plan every three to five years, even if nothing major has changed. This helps ensure your documents still reflect your wishes and comply with current laws.
However, you shouldn't wait for a scheduled review if you've experienced a significant life event.
Some of the most common reasons to update your estate plan include:
Your will should accurately reflect your current family relationships, financial situation, and wishes. An outdated will can create unnecessary confusion or complications for your loved ones.
Many people ask whether they can simply cross something out, write in a new beneficiary, or attach a handwritten note to their existing will.
Generally, the answer is no.
Making handwritten edits or informal changes to an executed will can create uncertainty and may not be legally effective. Texas has specific legal requirements for creating, changing, and revoking wills, and changes generally must meet those same legal formalities.
Instead, there are two primary ways to amend a will:
Option 1: Create a Codicil
A codicil is a legal document that modifies an existing will without replacing the entire document.
Think of it as an amendment that says:
Because a codicil becomes part of your original will, it generally must be executed with the same legal formalities required for a will in Texas.
Option 2: Create a New Will
Sometimes the cleaner and safer approach is to replace the existing will with an entirely new one.
A new will typically includes language revoking all prior wills and codicils, making it easier for your executor and beneficiaries to understand your final wishes.
One of the biggest questions people have is codicil vs new will.
The answer depends on how extensive your changes are.
A codicil may work well when:
A new will is usually better when:
While codicils remain legally recognized, many estate planning professionals prefer drafting a new will once multiple changes are involved because it reduces confusion and creates one clear document reflecting your current wishes.
Let's look at some of the most common situations where updating your will makes sense.
Marriage:
Many people wonder whether they should change a will after marriage.
The answer is almost always yes.
Marriage often changes:
If your spouse isn't included, or isn't included the way you intend, your estate plan may no longer reflect your wishes.
Marriage is one of the most important times to review your estate plan because newlyweds often experience multiple financial and legal changes in a short period.
Divorce:
Divorce is another major reason to review your estate planning documents.
You may want to:
Even after a divorce is finalized, failing to update your documents can create unnecessary complications for your family.
Having Children or Grandchildren:
Welcoming a child or grandchild is one of life's happiest milestones and one of the most important reasons to review your will.
Parents/grandparents often need to:
Without updates, your current family structure may not be reflected in your estate plan.
Buying a Home:
A new home is often your largest financial asset.
Whether it's your first house or your forever home, it's worth reviewing your will to ensure your property is distributed according to your wishes.
Moving to Texas:
If you've recently relocated, a Texas will update is often a smart idea.
Although many wills created in other states remain valid, Texas has its own estate laws and procedures. Reviewing your documents after a move helps ensure your estate plan aligns with Texas requirements and your current circumstances.
Remember that your will is only one piece of your overall estate plan.
As your life changes, you should also review documents such as:
Sloan Docs offers complete will packages that include a will, Medical Power of Attorney, Statutory Durable Power of Attorney, and HIPAA releases, as well as revocable living trust packages for those with more comprehensive estate planning needs.
Reviewing these documents together helps ensure they continue working toward the same goals and reflect your current wishes.
A 2025 Caring.com survey found that only about 24% of Americans have a will, despite the fact that many recognize the importance of estate planning. Even among those who have created one, many fail to revisit it after major life events, leaving outdated information in place when it matters most.
Updating your will doesn't have to be overwhelming. In many cases, a simple review can identify whether a small amendment or a completely new will makes the most sense.
Life changes and your estate plan should change with it. Whether you've recently gotten married, welcomed a child, purchased a new home, or simply haven't reviewed your documents in years, taking the time to update your will can provide clarity and peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Sloan Docs makes creating and updating essential estate planning documents straightforward and affordable with easy-to-use online legal document templates for wills, trusts, powers of attorney, HIPAA authorizations, and more. If your life has changed since you first created your will, now is an excellent time to review your estate plan and ensure it still reflects your wishes for the future. Explore Sloan Docs' estate planning solutions today and take the next step toward keeping your plan current.