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How to Update or Change Your Will in BC

Q: How do you change a will in BC?

You have two options: add a codicil (a formal amendment to the existing will) or write a new will that revokes the old one. For minor changes, a codicil may suffice. For significant changes, a new will is usually cleaner and less prone to confusion.

Q: Does marriage revoke a will in BC?

No. Under WESA, marriage does not automatically revoke a will in BC. This is a change from the old law. However, you should still review and likely update your will after marriage to ensure it reflects your new circumstances.

Q: Does divorce affect a will in BC?

Yes. Under WESA, divorce automatically revokes any gifts to the former spouse and any appointment of the former spouse as executor. The rest of the will remains valid. However, separation (without divorce) does NOT automatically revoke these provisions — another reason to update your will promptly after separation.

Q: How often should you update your will?

Review your will every 3 to 5 years, and immediately after any major life event: marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary or executor, significant change in assets, or move to a different province.

A will isn't a one-time document. Life changes, and your will should change with it. Here's when and how to update your will in British Columbia.

Updated April 2026 · 7 min read

Key Takeaways

You can update a will with a codicil (amendment) or by writing a new will
For significant changes, a new will is usually better than a codicil
Marriage does NOT revoke a will in BC (changed under WESA)
Divorce revokes gifts to the ex-spouse, but separation does not
Review every 3-5 years and after every major life event

Two ways to change your will

Option 1: Codicil

A codicil is a formal amendment to your existing will. It must meet the same requirements as a will: in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two people.

Good for: Minor changes — updating an executor, changing a specific gift, adding a small bequest.

Not ideal for: Major changes — restructuring beneficiaries, adding trusts, significant asset changes. Multiple codicils attached to an old will create confusion and increase the risk of inconsistencies.

Option 2: New will

A new will that begins with "I revoke all previous wills and codicils" replaces everything that came before. This is the cleaner option for any significant change.

Good for: Any substantial change — new spouse, new children, major asset changes, different executor, or if your old will is outdated.

Cost: If you used a lawyer for the original will, ask if they offer reduced rates for updates. Many do.

Never cross out, write on, or physically alter your existing will. Unauthorized markings can create ambiguity about your intentions and may require a court application to sort out. If you want to change something, use a codicil or new will.

Life events that should trigger a review

Marriage

Under WESA, marriage does not automatically revoke your will. This is different from the old law and different from some other provinces. However, you should still update your will to include your new spouse, update beneficiary designations, and consider how marriage changes your estate plan.

Separation and divorce

Under WESA, divorce automatically:

Revokes any gift to the former spouse
Revokes the appointment of the former spouse as executor
The rest of the will remains valid

However, separation without divorce does NOT trigger these automatic revocations. If you separate but don't divorce, your ex-partner may still inherit under your old will. Update your will immediately after separation — don't wait for the divorce to be finalized.

Birth or adoption of a child

A new child should be reflected in your will — both for inheritance and, critically, for guardian appointments.

Death of a beneficiary or executor

If someone named in your will dies, the relevant provision may fail. Update your will to name replacements.

Significant change in assets

Buying or selling a house, receiving an inheritance, starting or selling a business — any major financial change may affect how your estate should be structured.

Moving provinces

If you move to or from BC, your will should be reviewed. Estate law varies significantly between provinces. A will valid in Alberta may not account for BC-specific rules like WESA's will variation provisions.

How to revoke a will in BC

Under WESA, a will can be revoked by:

A new will that states it revokes all previous wills
A written declaration of revocation, signed and witnessed like a will
Physical destruction — burning, tearing, or otherwise destroying the will with the intention of revoking it

Important: simply hiding, losing, or forgetting about a will does not revoke it. If copies exist, the will may still be provable.

Storing your updated will

Keep the original in a safe place — your lawyer's office, a safety deposit box, or a fireproof safe
Tell your executor where the original is stored
Keep a copy for your own records (clearly marked as a copy)
If you made a new will, destroy the old one to prevent confusion

Frequently asked questions

How do you change a will in BC?

Either add a codicil (formal amendment, signed and witnessed) or write a new will that revokes the old one.

Does marriage revoke a will in BC?

No. Under WESA, marriage does not revoke a will. But you should still update it.

Does divorce affect a will in BC?

Yes — divorce revokes gifts to the ex-spouse and their executor appointment. But separation without divorce does NOT.

How often should you update your will?

Every 3-5 years minimum, and immediately after major life events.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about updating wills in British Columbia. It is not legal advice. Consult a qualified BC lawyer for your specific situation.