How Often Should You Update Your Will in Alberta?

An Alberta will stays valid until you replace or revoke it — there's no expiry date. The hazard is a will that no longer matches your life, your family, or your assets. Plan on a review every three to five years, and after any milestone.

Life events that should trigger a review

• Marriage or entering an Adult Interdependent Partner relationship.
• Separation, divorce, or the end of an AIP relationship.
• A new child or grandchild.
• The death of a personal representative, guardian, or beneficiary.
• A major change in assets — buying property, selling a farm or business, an inheritance.
• Moving to or from Alberta, since estate rules vary by province.

Two Alberta rules worth knowing

• Marriage no longer revokes a will. Under the Wills and Succession Act (in force since 2012), getting married does not automatically cancel an existing Alberta will. (The old law generally revoked a prior will on marriage.) A pre-marriage will therefore survives, so review it when you marry or enter an AIP relationship.
• The end of a relationship affects gifts. Divorce — and the ending of an AIP relationship — generally revokes gifts to, and the appointment of, the former partner, treating them as having died first. Because the rules are technical, update your will when a relationship ends rather than relying on the statute.

Codicil or new will?

A codicil is a witnessed amendment for a small change like swapping an executor. For anything more, a new will that revokes the old one is cleaner than stacking codicils. Both must meet the same signing and witnessing rules (or be a valid holograph).

Storage matters

Destroy superseded originals, keep the current signed will where your personal representative can find it, and tell them where it is. Alberta probate generally requires the original.

Frequently asked questions

Does a will expire in Alberta? No — it stays valid until revoked or replaced, but review it regularly. Does marriage cancel a will in Alberta? Not since 2012 — marriage no longer automatically revokes an Alberta will. Does divorce affect my will in Alberta? Yes — divorce or the end of an AIP relationship generally revokes gifts to and the appointment of the former partner. What is a codicil and do I need one in Alberta? A witnessed amendment for small changes; larger changes usually call for a new will.

Not legal advice. General information about Alberta law as of 2026. Confirm specifics with an Alberta estate lawyer.