How Often Should You Update Your Will in British Columbia?

A British Columbia will doesn't come with an expiry date — it stays valid until you change or revoke it. The real risk is a will that quietly stops matching your life. A good habit is a review every three to five years, plus a check after any major change.

Life events that should prompt a review

• Marriage or starting a marriage-like (common-law) relationship.
• Separation or divorce.
• A new child or grandchild.
• The death of an executor, guardian, or beneficiary.
• A significant change in assets — a property purchase, a business sale, an inheritance.
• Moving into or out of B.C., since the rules differ by province.

Two B.C. rules worth knowing

• Marriage no longer revokes a will. Since WESA took effect in 2014, getting married does not automatically cancel an existing B.C. will — a reversal of the old law. So a pre-marriage will survives, which may not reflect your new circumstances. Review it when you marry.
• Separation can change spousal gifts. Under WESA, if spouses separate (including the end of a marriage-like relationship under defined conditions), gifts to the former spouse and their role as executor can be revoked as if they had died first. Because the triggers are technical, update your will promptly when a relationship ends rather than relying on the statute.

Codicil or new will?

A codicil — a witnessed amendment — suits a minor tweak like changing an executor. For anything larger, a fresh will that revokes the old one is cleaner than layering codicils. Both must meet the same two-witness signing rules (or B.C.'s electronic-will requirements).

Mind your storage

Replace and destroy outdated originals, store the current signed will (or authoritative electronic file) where your executor can reach it, and consider filing a wills notice with B.C.'s Vital Statistics Agency so it can be located.

Frequently asked questions

Does a will expire in British Columbia? No — it remains valid until revoked or replaced, but should be reviewed regularly. Does marriage cancel a will in British Columbia? Not under WESA — marriage no longer revokes a B.C. will. Does divorce affect my will in British Columbia? Yes — separation or divorce can revoke gifts to and the appointment of a former spouse; update it to be sure. What is a codicil and do I need one in British Columbia? A witnessed amendment for small changes; larger changes usually call for a new will.

Not legal advice. General information about British Columbia law as of 2026. Confirm specifics with a B.C. estate lawyer or notary.