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You service your car, check your boiler and renew your insurance. But when did you last check your Will?

Most people feel a sense of relief once they’ve made a Will. It’s another important job ticked off the list. But here’s the catch: your Will doesn’t automatically keep up with your life. A Will written ten years ago might still be legally valid. But does it still reflect your wishes today? You don’t need to spend hours reviewing it. Start with five minutes and five simple questions.

1. Are the right people still in your Will?

Think about the people you’ve named as beneficiaries. Are they still the people you want to inherit your estate? Perhaps you’ve married, separated, welcomed grandchildren or lost someone close to you. Relationships change. Your Will should reflect the people who matter to you now, not just those who mattered ten years ago.

2. Would your executors still be happy to do the job?

Being an executor isn’t simply a title. It comes with real responsibilities, from dealing with paperwork to managing your estate. Think about the people you appointed. Are they still willing, able and suitable for the role? Someone who was the perfect choice years ago might no longer be the best person.

3. Does your Will still reflect what you own?

Perhaps you’ve moved house, started a business, received an inheritance or built up more savings. Your financial circumstances may look very different from when you first made your Will. Here’s something worth checking: If you’ve left a particular property or possession to someone, what happens if you no longer own it? Your Will may need updating to avoid unintended consequences.

4. Would your family know where to find it?

Here’s a question people often overlook. You might have a perfectly drafted Will, but does anyone know where the original is kept? If your family cannot find it, dealing with your estate could become unnecessarily complicated. Make sure your executors know where the original Will is stored and whom to contact. You don’t need to share every detail of your wishes. Just make sure the right people know where to look.

5. If your Will took effect tomorrow, would you be comfortable with the outcome?

This is perhaps the most important question of all. Forget the legal wording for a moment. Think about your family, your home and the things you’ve worked hard for.

Would your Will still do what you want it to do?

Would it provide for the right people? Could it create confusion or disagreements that you would rather avoid?

If you’re unsure, that’s a good reason to have it reviewed.

So, did your Will pass its MOT?

If you answered yes to all five questions, that’s reassuring.

If you hesitated over one or two, your Will might benefit from a closer look.

And if you haven’t made a Will yet? Perhaps it’s time to put that on your to-do list.

Remember, a five-minute check is a useful starting point, not a substitute for a professional review. In England and Wales, GOV.UK recommends reviewing your Will every five years and after major life changes.

One important point: marriage or civil partnership will usually revoke an existing Will, unless an exception applies. Divorce can also change how its provisions operate.

At Jermyn Taylor, we believe estate planning should be about peace of mind, not paperwork. Whether your Will needs a small adjustment or a complete rethink, we’re here to help you make sure it still works for you.

Your life doesn’t stand still. Neither should your Will.

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This article provides general information for England and Wales and does not constitute individual legal advice.