How Often Should You Update Your Will in Manitoba?
Last updated 2026-06 · Manitoba
A Manitoba will stays valid until you replace or revoke it — there's no shelf life. The real risk is a will that no longer fits your life. Aim to review it every three to five years, and after any milestone.
Life events that should trigger a review
- Marriage or starting a common-law relationship.
- Separation or divorce.
- A new child or grandchild.
- The death of an executor, guardian, or beneficiary.
- A major change in assets — buying property, selling a farm or business, an inheritance.
- Moving to or from Manitoba.
Two Manitoba rules worth knowing
- Marriage no longer revokes a will. Manitoba amended The Wills Act so that marriage does not automatically revoke an existing will. (Historically, marriage generally revoked a prior will.) A pre-marriage will therefore survives — review it when you marry or enter a common-law relationship.
- Divorce affects gifts to a former spouse. On divorce, gifts to and the appointment of a former spouse are generally revoked as if they had died first. The end of a common-law relationship can have effects too, so update your will when any 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 larger, 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
Destroy superseded originals, keep the current signed will where your executor can find it, and tell them where it is. Probate generally requires the original — and remember Manitoba no longer charges probate fees, so keeping things tidy is purely about speed.
Frequently asked questions
Does a will expire in Manitoba? No — it stays valid until revoked or replaced, but review it regularly. Does marriage cancel a will in Manitoba? No — Manitoba no longer treats marriage as revoking a will. Does divorce affect my will in Manitoba? Yes — gifts to and the appointment of a former spouse are generally revoked on divorce. What is a codicil and do I need one in Manitoba? A witnessed amendment for small changes; larger changes usually call for a new will.
Not legal advice. General information about Manitoba law as of 2026. Confirm specifics with a Manitoba estate lawyer.
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