Case study
William, who is now 55 years old, wrote his will when he was just 28. Like most Malaysians, he wonders: “Why do I need to update my will? My old one should still work, right?”
Most people believe that writing a will is a one-and-done situation – you write it, stash it away, and forget it. But life keeps evolving. What was sensible when you wrote your will the first time might not be what your current situation is like.
If you don’t keep your will updated, you could accidentally leave behind a mess for your loved ones to deal with. The wrong people might inherit your assets, or your family could end up in costly legal battles. Even worse, people you care about might get left out entirely.
After you’ve written your will, there are several situations that could require you to update it, as we explain below.
Key Reasons to Rewrite a Will
- Accuracy: Ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
- Prevent Disputes: Prevents confusion or family conflict when you pass away.
- Keep Up with Life Changes: Refers to changes in new relationships, assets, or responsibilities.
- Keep Beneficiaries Safe: Adjusts for changing beneficiaries’ situations (e.g., minors becoming adults).
When Should You Rewrite a Will?
| Circumstance | Reason to Rewrite the Will |
| Divorce | Divorce does not automatically revoke a will. Ex-spouses may still inherit unless you update. |
| Remarriage | Remarrying invalidates a previous will. A new will ensures you include all intended beneficiaries, including your new spouse. |
| Children Grow Up | Adult children can act as executors, replacing the need for third-party appointments. |
| Beneficiaries Pass Away | Update beneficiaries and include backup beneficiaries. |
| Changing Beneficiaries | Reflect new relationships (e.g., adding grandchildren or charities). |
| Acquiring Significant Assets | Specify how new property, investments, or businesses should be allocated. |
| Executor/Guardian Relationship Sours | Replace an executor or guardian you no longer trust to fulfill your wishes. |
Failure of Not Updating an Outdated Will
- Assets Distributed Against Your Wishes
(Excludes new heirs or allocates assets to ex-spouses, deceased beneficiaries, or unintended parties).
- Legal Disputes and Family Conflict
(Damages relationships due to outdated or unfair distributions).
All that being said, it’s so important to review your will every few years or after significant life changes. A current will is the best way to ensure your wishes are respected and your family is taken care of.
为什么需要重新立遗嘱？
真实个案分享
William 今年 55 岁。他在 28 岁那年就立了遗嘱。
他常常心想：“我早就写好遗嘱了，还要改来改去做么？应该还可以用吧？”
很多人都以为写遗嘱是“一生写一次”的事情——写好后收进抽屉，就不再管它了。
但我们的人生一直在变，家庭关系、资产状况，甚至是我们对未来的安排都会改变。
如果遗嘱没有及时更新，可能会留下很多麻烦给家人：
- 资产分错人
- 家人之间因为分配不清楚而闹翻
- 真正你想照顾的人反而什么都没拿到
- 甚至要上法庭解决遗产分配，浪费时间又伤感情
什么情况需要要重写遗嘱呢？
以下这些情况，可能就需要重新立一份新的遗嘱：
| 情况 | 为什么需要重写遗嘱？ |
| 离婚 | 离婚不会自动取消原本的遗嘱。如果你没更新，前任配偶还是会分到资产。 |
| 再婚 | 再婚会让之前的遗嘱自动失效。你需要一份新遗嘱，才能确你心爱的人得到资产。 |
| 孩子长大了 | 孩子成年后可以当执行人，就不需要委托第三方或亲戚朋友来处理了。 |
| 受益人去世了 | 如果遗嘱里收益人去世了，记得更新，并加入备用受益人。 |
| 想换受益人 | 比如新添了孙子孙女、想捐款给慈善团体，都要重新列明。 |
| 资产大变动 | 买了新房子、开了新公司、有了投资？这些都要写清楚怎么分。 |
| 对执行人或监护人失去信任 | 如果你不再信任原本指定的人，就该换人，避免以后执行不到位。 |
没更新过时的遗嘱会有什么后果呢？
- 资产分配并不如你所愿
（可能遗漏新继承人，或将资产分配给前配偶等等）。
- 法律纠纷与家庭矛盾
（过时或不公平的分配导致家庭关系破裂）。
重点提醒
✅ 更新遗嘱不是麻烦，而是对家人负责
✅ 每隔几年，或者人生发生大变化，就该立新遗嘱。
✅ 确保你真正的意愿被执行，也确保你的家人不用为这些事烦恼
有些人说：“等有空才来处理。”
但我们永远不知道“有空”会不会太迟。
让爱延续，从一份与时并进的遗嘱开始。
