You may need to change your will if you move to a new state, marry, divorce, have a child, acquire substantial property or suffer the loss of a loved one.

Tax law changes may also require a will update. Read your will at least once a year to consider changes. You can make changes by writing a new will or by preparing an amendment to your existing will called a codicil.

A new will is best if there are many changes. A codicil may be appropriate for a small change, but it must be made with the same formalities as a new will - crossing out or writing inserts onto your will might invalidate it.