How Long Is a Will Good For: A Practical Guide

If you are wondering how long a will is good for, the answer is usually much simpler than people expect: a properly executed will generally does not expire merely because it becomes old.

A will can remain effective for many years after it is signed. Its age alone does not normally make it invalid. Instead, a will may stop controlling an estate because it has been revoked, replaced by a later valid will, affected by certain changes in circumstances or law, or otherwise found ineffective under the applicable state’s rules.

That means someone could sign a will today and still have that same will govern their estate many years later.

However, there is an important practical distinction between how long a will remains legally effective and how long you should go without reviewing it.

An old will may still be legally valid while no longer reflecting your current wishes.

The American Bar Association recommends periodically reviewing estate-planning documents and revisiting them after major life events rather than treating estate planning as something that is permanently completed after one signing.

Legal disclaimer: This article provides general educational information about wills in the United States. Will requirements, revocation rules, probate deadlines, and estate procedures vary by state. This is not legal advice.

How Long Is a Will Good For?

A properly executed will generally remains effective until it is legally revoked, replaced, or otherwise becomes ineffective under applicable law.

There is usually no standard expiration date such as five years, ten years, or twenty years.

For example, suppose someone creates a valid will at age 50. If that person lives until age 80 and never changes or revokes the will, the document may still be the person’s operative will at death.

The important issue is not the document’s age.

Instead, the questions are:

• Was the will properly executed?
• Was it later revoked?
• Was a newer will created?
• Did a major life event affect its provisions?
• Did the person’s circumstances change?
• Does the will comply with the law applicable at the relevant time?
• Does another estate-planning document affect particular assets?

A will therefore should not be treated like a driver’s license or passport that automatically expires after a fixed period.

How Long Is a Will Valid For?

There is no universal expiration period for a will.

A valid will can remain effective for the rest of the testator’s life unless something legally changes its status.

The American Bar Association explains that formal requirements for valid wills vary by state, including requirements involving age, capacity, writing, signatures, and witnesses.

Once those requirements have been satisfied, the document does not generally become invalid simply because several years have passed.

Age alone does not usually invalidate a will

Consider this example:

A person signs a valid will in 2010.

Nothing changes in the person’s family or financial circumstances. The person does not execute a replacement will and does not revoke the original.

In 2026, the will is 16 years old.

Its age alone does not mean that it has automatically expired.

However, that same 16-year-old will could create practical problems if the person’s circumstances changed significantly during those years.

How Long Does a Will Last?

A will generally lasts for as long as it remains the person’s legally effective testamentary document.

That can mean:

• Several months
• Several years
• Several decades
• The remainder of the testator’s lifetime

There is no universal rule saying that a will must be rewritten every certain number of years.

However, regular review is still important.

The ABA describes estate planning as an ongoing process rather than a “set it and forget it” task and recommends revisiting plans periodically and after major life events.

The distinction is important:

A will may remain valid for decades, but it should not necessarily remain unreviewed for decades.

Does a Will Expire?

Generally, a will does not expire simply because of its age.

There is usually no expiration date printed on a standard last will and testament.

Instead, the document may be replaced or revoked during the testator’s lifetime.

For example, a person might:

1. Create Will A.
2. Later create Will B.
3. Properly revoke Will A through the applicable legal process.
4. Leave Will B as the operative estate document.

The precise rules for revocation vary by state.

The ABA’s recent discussion of will revocation explains that wills may be revoked through a subsequent will or, depending on applicable law, through certain physical acts performed with the required intent.

What Makes a Will No Longer Effective?

Several situations can cause an older will to stop controlling an estate.

A New Will Replaces It

Creating a later valid will is one of the most common ways an older will becomes ineffective.

A newer will may contain an express revocation clause or establish a different distribution plan that legally supersedes the earlier document.

However, simply typing a new document is not enough.

The newer document must satisfy the applicable legal requirements for a valid will or otherwise qualify under the relevant law.

The Will Is Properly Revoked

A person may be able to revoke a will through a legally recognized revocation process.

Depending on state law, revocation may involve:

• Executing a later will
• Executing another testamentary document
• Physically destroying the will with the required intent
• Other legally recognized methods

The exact rules differ by state.

This is one reason people should not assume that tearing up or writing “cancelled” across a document will have the same legal effect everywhere.

A Later Will Changes the Estate Plan

Sometimes a later will does not completely replace every provision of an earlier will.

Instead, it may modify particular provisions or establish a new distribution plan.

The interaction between multiple wills can become complicated, particularly if different versions exist.

Circumstances Change

A will can remain legally valid even when circumstances change, but certain life events can affect how its provisions operate.

Examples include:

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Death of a beneficiary
• Death or incapacity of an executor
• Major changes in property ownership
• Moving to another state
• Starting or selling a business

The legal effect of these events varies by jurisdiction.

The key point is that an old will should be reviewed when circumstances materially change.

Can an Old Will Still Be Valid?

Yes.

An old will can still be valid if it was properly executed and has not been revoked or otherwise rendered ineffective.

A person should not assume that a will is invalid simply because it was signed many years ago.

For example, an older will might still be perfectly appropriate when:

• The beneficiaries remain the same.
• The executor remains appropriate.
• The testator’s family situation has not materially changed.
• The person’s wishes remain unchanged.
• The document complies with applicable law.

But an old will should be reviewed when significant changes occur.

Why an old will can become problematic

Imagine someone creates a will when they are 45.

Twenty years later:

• They have remarried.
• Their former executor is no longer appropriate.
• One beneficiary has died.
• A new child has been born.
• They purchased several properties.
• Their financial situation has changed.

The original will may not automatically disappear.

But it may no longer represent what the person actually wants.

That is why validity and suitability are two different questions.

How Often Should You Update a Will?

There is no universal rule requiring everyone to replace a will every specific number of years.

Instead, review it periodically and whenever there is a significant life change.

The ABA suggests revisiting estate plans approximately every three to five years or after major life events.

That does not necessarily mean you must rewrite your will every three years.

A review may simply confirm that the existing document still reflects your wishes.

Review after marriage

Marriage can significantly change an estate plan.

If you marry after creating a will, review the document rather than assuming that it automatically reflects your new family structure.

Review after divorce

Divorce can have important effects on wills and beneficiary arrangements.

State laws differ concerning the treatment of former spouses, so reviewing the entire estate plan is prudent.

Review after having a child

The birth or adoption of a child can make an old estate plan incomplete.

Parents may need to consider inheritance arrangements and guardianship preferences.

Review after a beneficiary dies

If someone named in your will dies, the document may need attention.

The result depends on the wording of the will and applicable law.

Review after a major financial change

Buying or selling significant property, receiving an inheritance, starting a business, or experiencing another major financial change can justify an estate-plan review.

How Long Is a Last Will and Testament Valid After Signing?

A last will and testament can remain valid after signing for the rest of the testator’s lifetime, assuming it remains legally effective.

There is no general rule that says:

“After 10 years, the will expires.”

Instead, the will continues to express the testator’s testamentary wishes until it is replaced, revoked, or otherwise affected by applicable law.

This is why storing the original safely and keeping track of later estate documents is so important.

Does Moving to Another State Make a Will Invalid?

Moving does not necessarily make an existing will automatically invalid.

However, state laws differ, and relocating can be an excellent reason to have the will reviewed.

For example, a person may create a will in one state and later become a permanent resident of another state.

The existing will might still be recognized, but the new state’s rules could affect particular provisions, execution questions, beneficiary rights, or other aspects of estate administration.

The safest approach is to review the will after a significant interstate move.

Why state law matters

Wills are governed largely by state law.

Requirements can differ concerning:

• Witnesses
• Notarization
• Self-proving affidavits
• Holographic wills
• Electronic wills
• Revocation
• Spousal rights
• Probate procedure

The ABA emphasizes that will-validity requirements differ among states.

Therefore, a person should not assume that a will created under one state’s rules should remain completely untouched after a permanent move to another state.

How Long to Keep a Will After Death

The answer requires an important distinction.

After the testator dies, the will is no longer being used as a living person’s future-planning document. Instead, it becomes a central document for determining how the deceased person’s estate should be administered, where probate is required.

The original will may need to be delivered to a court or otherwise handled according to the applicable state’s probate procedure.

For example, California Courts explains that if an original will is found, it must be delivered to the court, and the person named in the will or another appropriate person generally handles probate matters.

California provides a specific example of how state deadlines can differ: its courts explain that a custodian generally must deliver an original will to the appropriate superior court within 30 days after learning of the testator’s death, subject to the state’s statutory rules.

That 30-day period is a California rule, not a nationwide deadline.

Other states can establish different procedures and deadlines.

Should you throw away the will after death?

No.

Do not destroy an original will simply because the person who made it has died.

The document may be needed for probate or another estate-administration process.

If you have possession of an original will belonging to a deceased person, determine the applicable state procedure promptly.

When Does a Will Become Invalid After Death?

A will does not normally become invalid simply because the testator has died.

In fact, death is the event that causes the will’s testamentary provisions to become relevant.

Before death, a will generally represents instructions for what should happen to the person’s estate after death.

After death, the will may be submitted for probate and used to establish the person’s testamentary wishes.

The will’s role then shifts from future planning to estate administration.

The will does not remain indefinitely “active” in the same way

Once the estate has been administered and property has been distributed, the will has served its primary purpose for that estate.

However, it may remain an important historical and legal record.

If disputes, tax matters, creditor issues, or other estate-related questions arise, estate records may need to be retained according to applicable requirements.

Does a Will Have a Time Limit After Death?

There is no single nationwide time limit that applies to every will after death.

Probate deadlines are established by state law and can vary considerably.

Some states impose deadlines concerning:

• Delivering the original will
• Filing a probate petition
• Opening an estate
• Presenting claims
• Contesting a will
• Completing particular estate procedures

For example, California requires the custodian of an original will to deliver it to the appropriate court within a statutory period after learning of the testator’s death.

That demonstrates why it is risky to assume that every state gives executors the same amount of time.

If you are dealing with an actual estate, check the law and court procedure applicable to the deceased person’s state.

How Long Does Probate Take After a Will Is Filed?

The validity period of a will should not be confused with the length of probate.

A will does not become invalid simply because probate takes a certain number of months.

Probate duration depends on factors such as:

• Estate size
• Number of assets
• Real estate
• Debts
• Creditor claims
• Tax matters
• Beneficiary disputes
• Will contests
• Court scheduling
• Required notices
• Whether the estate qualifies for a simplified procedure

California Courts, for example, explains that probate is the legal process used to transfer or inherit property after someone dies and that the procedure can vary depending on the type and amount of property involved.

Therefore, do not confuse:

“How long is the will valid?”

with:

“How long will the estate take to settle?”

They are different questions.

Common Delays That Can Affect a Will After Death

Even when a valid will exists, estate administration can be delayed.

The Original Will Cannot Be Found

If nobody knows where the original document is, the estate may face additional complications.

California Courts notes that if an original will is found, it should be delivered to the court.

Keeping the original in a known, secure location can prevent unnecessary problems.

Multiple Versions Exist

If family members discover several versions of a will, questions may arise about which document is the latest valid version.

This can lead to additional legal analysis or even a dispute.

The Executor Is Unavailable

If the person named as executor cannot or will not serve, additional steps may be necessary.

Beneficiaries Disagree

Family disputes can slow estate administration and may result in litigation.

Assets Are Difficult to Locate

An executor may need time to identify:

• Bank accounts
• Investments
• Real estate
• Business interests
• Insurance policies
• Personal property

A well-organized estate plan can make this process easier.

How to Avoid Preventable Will Delays

You can take several practical steps during your lifetime.

Keep the Original Will Safe

Choose a secure location where the original can be found when needed.

Tell the Executor Where It Is

Your executor should know how to locate the original.

There is no benefit in keeping the document so secret that nobody can find it after your death.

Remove Conflicting Versions

When you replace a will, follow the applicable revocation procedure and handle old copies carefully.

Review the Will Periodically

A periodic review helps identify outdated beneficiaries, executors, and instructions.

Keep Estate Documents Organized

Maintain important documents together or make a clear inventory showing where they are located.

Review Beneficiary Designations

Some assets transfer through beneficiary designations rather than through the will.

The estate plan should therefore be reviewed as a whole.

Update After Major Life Events

Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, major financial changes, and relocation can all justify a review.

How Long Should You Keep an Old Will?

If an old will has been replaced, do not automatically destroy it without understanding the consequences.

Old wills can become relevant if someone later questions:

• Whether a newer will was valid
• Whether the newer document revoked the earlier will
• Whether the testator had capacity
• Whether undue influence occurred
• What the testator’s intentions were

At the same time, keeping numerous unsigned or revoked copies without clear labeling can create confusion.

A practical approach is to retain important estate records in an organized manner and clearly identify which document is current.

For significant estates, ask an estate-planning attorney about the best way to handle prior originals and copies.

What Happens If You Never Update Your Will?

A will that was valid when created does not necessarily become invalid merely because you never update it.

However, the document may no longer reflect your intentions.

For example, suppose your will names:

• An old executor
• A former beneficiary
• A deceased relative
• An outdated address
• Property you no longer own

The legal effect of each problem depends on state law and the wording of the document.

The larger concern is that an outdated will may distribute property differently from what you currently intend.

This is why reviewing a will is more important than simply asking whether it has “expired.”

Is a 20-Year-Old Will Still Valid?

It can be.

A 20-year-old will is not automatically invalid solely because it is 20 years old.

If it was properly executed, remains unrevoked, and otherwise complies with applicable law, it may still be operative.

But a 20-year-old will deserves careful review because family, property, and legal circumstances may have changed considerably.

For example, if you created your will in 2006 and have since:

• Married
• Divorced
• Had children
• Lost beneficiaries
• Acquired property
• Sold a business
• Moved states

you should consider reviewing the document.

Practical Will Validity Timeline

A simple timeline can help explain how a will works.

Stage 1: Will Is Created

The testator executes the will according to applicable law.

Stage 2: Will Remains Effective

The will remains the operative testamentary document unless something legally changes that status.

Stage 3: Will Is Reviewed

The testator may review the document periodically or after major life events.

Stage 4: Will Is Replaced or Revoked

If the testator changes the estate plan, a later valid document or legally recognized revocation process may supersede the old will.

Stage 5: Testator Dies

The will becomes relevant to the administration of the deceased person’s estate.

Stage 6: Probate or Other Estate Procedure

The appropriate person handles the estate according to the applicable state process.

Stage 7: Estate Is Administered

Debts, expenses, assets, and beneficiary distributions are handled according to applicable law and the estate plan.

The precise steps and deadlines differ by jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a will good for?

A properly executed will generally does not expire simply because it becomes old. It can remain effective for the testator’s lifetime unless it is revoked, replaced, or otherwise affected by applicable law.

How long is a will valid for?

There is generally no fixed nationwide expiration period. A valid will may remain effective for decades if it is not revoked or superseded and continues to satisfy applicable legal requirements.

How long does a will last?

A will can last for the remainder of the testator’s lifetime. Its age alone does not normally make it invalid.

How long is a last will and testament valid?

A last will and testament can remain valid until it is legally revoked, replaced, or otherwise becomes ineffective under the law governing the estate.

How long should you keep a will after death?

The original will should not simply be discarded after death. It may need to be delivered to the appropriate court or used in estate administration. The applicable deadline and retention requirements depend on state law.

When does a will become invalid after death?

A will does not normally become invalid merely because the testator died. Death is generally the event that causes the will to become operative for estate administration. After the estate is settled, the will may remain an important legal and historical record.

Does a will expire after 10 years?

Generally, no. A will does not normally expire merely because ten years have passed. However, an old will should be reviewed to determine whether it still reflects the testator’s wishes and complies with applicable law.

Is a 20-year-old will still valid?

It can be. Age alone does not generally invalidate a properly executed will. However, major life changes during those 20 years may make the document outdated or affect particular provisions.

Should I update my will every few years?

There is no universal requirement to rewrite a will on a fixed schedule. However, periodic review is sensible. The ABA recommends revisiting estate plans approximately every three to five years and after major life events.

Does moving to another state invalidate my will?

Not necessarily. A move does not automatically mean the existing will is invalid, but different states have different laws. Reviewing the will after a permanent move is a sensible precaution.

Final Thoughts

So, how long is a will good for? In most situations, a properly executed will does not have a simple expiration date.

It can remain effective for many years or even decades.

The more important issue is whether the will remains the person’s legally effective and appropriate estate document. A later valid will, revocation, major life changes, or state-specific legal rules can affect how an older document operates.

After death, the question changes. The will becomes part of the estate-administration process, and the executor or other responsible person may need to present the original document according to the applicable state’s rules. There is no single nationwide deadline for every estate. California, for example, has a specific statutory deadline for delivering an original will to the court.

The safest practical approach is therefore straightforward: keep the original will secure, make sure the right people know where it is, review it periodically, and revisit it whenever your family, finances, property, or state of residence changes.

A will does not necessarily become outdated because it is old. It becomes a problem when it no longer accurately or effectively accomplishes what you want.