Which life events change a will automatically?
Marriage revokes. Getting married or entering a civil partnership automatically cancels any will you already have, unless that will was expressly made in contemplation of that specific marriage — see gov.uk/make-will. Marry without a new will and the intestacy rules decide everything.
Divorce amends by default. Divorce or dissolution does not revoke the will, but treats your ex-spouse or ex-civil partner as having died before you: gifts to them lapse, and any appointment of them as executor lapses. The rest of the will stands — which is rarely exactly what you would have chosen.
Should you use a codicil or make a fresh will?
| Codicil | Fresh will |
|---|---|
| A separate amendment document kept with the will | One clean document that revokes all earlier wills and codicils |
| Must be signed and witnessed exactly like a will — same ceremony, no saving | Signed and witnessed once, then you are done |
| Two documents to keep together, interpret and not lose | Old versions destroyed — no confusion about which document governs |
| Suits only tiny changes | Suits everything — and is free with SwiftWill, for life |
When should you update your will?
- Marriage or civil partnership (your old will is already cancelled)
- Divorce or dissolution
- A legal name change — a name change does not revoke a will, but a will in your old name slows probate. Read name change and your will, finish the Instant Deed Poll and ID updates, then remake the will in your current name (free on SwiftWill).
- A new child or grandchild
- A beneficiary, executor or guardian dies or becomes unable to act
- Buying or selling a home, or a big change in what you own
- Your children reaching 18 — review guardianship and trust ages
How do you update a SwiftWill for free?
Because updates are free for life, the default advice is simple: log back in, update your answers, download a fresh will instantly, print it, sign it with two witnesses (the same ceremony as before — see the exact rules), and destroy the old signed original. The new will's revocation clause cancels every earlier will and codicil automatically. No £10-a-year update subscription, ever.