Reasons to Update Your Will

Your Will isn’t a one-and-done document. As your life changes, your Will should change too. A Will that reflects your past but not your present can lead to confusion, conflict, and even court challenges after you're gone.

Think of your Will like a financial snapshot—it should always show a clear picture of who and what matters to you now, not five or ten years ago.

Life Events That Signal It’s Time to Update Your Will

Wills are meant to evolve. Even if yours was perfect when you signed it, it may no longer reflect your current relationships, responsibilities, or priorities.

Common reasons to update your Will include:

Life Change	Why You Should Update
Marriage, separation, or divorce	Legal and financial roles shift; your old Will may no longer apply
Birth or adoption of a child	You may want to name a guardian and adjust asset distribution
Death of a beneficiary or executor	You’ll need to name new people and reassign responsibilities
Major change in assets or debt	Ensure all new property or changes in wealth are accounted for
Relocation to another province	Laws vary, so your Will should reflect your new jurisdiction
Starting or ending a business	Business assets and succession need specific instructions
Change in family dynamics	Estrangement, new relationships, or reconciliation may alter intentions

Tip: A Will that’s technically valid but practically outdated can still create serious challenges. Keeping it current is one of the most powerful ways to care for your family.

The Risks of Leaving an Outdated Will in Place

When a Will does not reflect your current situation, it may lead to:

Disagreements among heirs
Delays in probate or estate distribution
Legal challenges or confusion over your true intentions
Distribution of assets to people no longer in your life

Even small oversights—like not updating an executor or forgetting to include new property—can complicate matters. An outdated Will may even contradict other parts of your financial plan, such as beneficiary designations or trust instructions.

How Often to Review Your Will and What to Check

We recommend reviewing your Will at least every 3 to 5 years, or any time you experience a significant life event. When reviewing, consider:

Do the people named in your Will still reflect your wishes?
Have your assets or liabilities changed significantly?
Is your executor still able and willing to act on your behalf?
Do the guardians you chose still make sense based on your children's age or needs?
Have you relocated or had a change in family structure?

A brief annual review during tax season or your financial check-in can also be a good habit. This ensures you stay proactive, not reactive.

Important: If your Will is significantly out of date, it may cause legal ambiguity—even if it’s technically valid. Courts and family members will be left interpreting what you “would have wanted,” rather than following clear instructions.

Making Sure Your Will Matches Your Financial Plan

At Optimize, we know that your life and legacy are dynamic. We help ensure your Will complements your broader financial picture, including investments, insurance, and estate planning goals.

When you update your Will, we work with you to:

Review asset changes and how they affect your estate
Align beneficiary designations across all accounts
Reflect new legacy or charitable goals
Address tax planning opportunities related to new assets or income

Your Will is more than a document—it’s a statement of intent. We make sure it fits within your larger strategy so that your estate plan is strong, clear, and prepared for the future.

Keeping Your Will Updated Is a Gift to Your Loved Ones

Updating your Will is not a sign of uncertainty—it’s a sign of commitment. It shows that you’re thinking ahead, adjusting to change, and honoring the people and priorities that matter to you.

As your life unfolds, your Will should evolve alongside it. The better it reflects your current world, the more peace and clarity it will provide.