How often should I update my will, and what life events trigger a review?

As a general guideline, you should review your will every three to five years even if nothing major has changed. However, several life events should trigger an immediate review: marriage (which revokes a prior will in Ontario), divorce or separation, the birth or adoption of a child, the death or incapacity of a named beneficiary or estate trustee, a significant change in your assets, the purchase or sale of a business interest, or moving to another province.

Other events worth reviewing include a change in your relationship with a named beneficiary (for example, an estrangement), changes in Ontario tax law or estate law that could affect your planning, a significant change in a beneficiary's circumstances (such as a disability that now requires special-needs planning), or remarriage after divorce.

A will is not a one-time document — it is a living plan for your estate that should reflect your current life and intentions. Many people have wills that are 10 or 20 years out of date, naming people who have died and listing assets they no longer own. Even if no specific event has triggered a review, an outdated will creates the risk that it no longer matches your circumstances or Ontario law.

A lawyer can review your existing will and flag what needs updating.