While you can change your will without a solicitor, it’s recommended to work with one to ensure all changes made are valid and worded correctly. In this blog we’ll explore how solicitors can help you change your will.
Why change your will?
It’s recommended to review your will every five years, as well as after any major changes in your life, such as getting married, divorced or having children, as these are likely to impact your wishes and the distribution of your will. Other reasons to review or change your will include:
- Moving, selling or buying a property.
- One of your beneficiaries or executors passes away.
- You want to give a specific gift or message to a loved one.
How to change your will
When changing your will, it’s important that you don’t make handwritten changes to your original will. This could causes problems for your Executors after you pass away. If you wish to make minor changes like changing or updating an executor or beneficiary, you should use a codicil or consider making a new Will.
What is a codicil?
A codicil is a document that allows you to make changes to your current will without needing to write a whole new will. The document must be signed in the same way as a will. It’s also not required for the witnesses to be the same person that witnessed your current will. Undertaking this process with a solicitor will ensure this process runs smoothly and is easier for an executor to undertake after you die.
Do any changes made to a will cancel the previous will?
If you want to cancel anything within your previous will you will need to include a revocation clause to ensure all your current wishes are carried out after your death.
At Wright Hassall, our Will Writing Solicitors are here to help you with this and any other changes you would like to make. Get in touch with us today for further guidance.
