From The Legal Beagle Team 28/02/2012

A Will lets you tell the world your wishes about what you want to happen after you pass away.

There are certain significant life events after which you will need to update your Will.  These significant life events include:

• Buying important property, such as a new house
• Inheriting money or other property
• Having children or grandchildren
• Starting a business
• Getting married, divorced or separated
• Entering or ending a de-facto relationship

Create your Will online now

It is important to note that:

• Your Will automatically becomes void if you get divorced as far as your ex-partner is mentioned in your Will.
• Your Will automatically becomes void if you get married.
• If you and your ex-partner are separated but not divorced then your ex-partner is still entitled to receive any gifts you have left him or her in your Will.

The following example happens more often than you would think:  Sam and his second wife, Sally, separated 10 years ago.  Sam did not get around to updating his Will after he separated from Sally.

Sam recently passed away and his only son from his first marriage, Max, was shocked to learn that Sam had left Sally everything he owned in his Will.  Max then had to go to considerable effort and expense to contest Sam’s Will in court.

Moral of the story: update your Will after significant life events to make sure your wishes are followed after you pass away.

Create your Will online now

Disclaimer: The information on this page is general information only and must not be relied on as legal advice. Legal Beagle is not a law firm or a substitute for a law firm. We are unable to provide any kind of advice, explanation, opinion, or recommendation about possible legal rights, remedies, defences, options, selection of legal documents or strategies.