The present disclosure is directed to updating related documents. In some implementations, a method includes receiving a notification of an intention to update to a predecessor document in a business process prior to receiving a specific update to the predecessor document. In response to at least the potential-update notification, a successor document in the business process is identified. The successor document depends on information identified by the predecessor document. Release of the successor document is substantially prevented in connection with the notification of the intent to update to the predecessor document.