How to Change Your Will
Life circumstances change, and it's vital your Will reflects your current wishes. Our SRA-regulated solicitors make the process of changing your Will simple, secure, and legally robust, ensuring your legacy is protected.
How to Legally Change Your Will in the UK
Life events happen, and it's vital your Will reflects your current wishes. It is crucial you do not simply write on your existing Will, as this will invalidate it. There are two correct ways to make a change.
Real UK Case Study: The Danger of DIY Changes
Goods of Penniman [1873]
The Situation: A person tried to change their Will by crossing out a beneficiary's name and writing a new one. They initialled the change but did not have it formally witnessed.
The Outcome: The court ruled the gift was invalid. The crossing-out cancelled the original gift, but the new, unwitnessed instruction failed completely. The intended beneficiary received nothing.
What this means for you: This case is a powerful warning. Any change to your Will, no matter how small, must be formally witnessed. Using a solicitor is the only way to guarantee your changes are legally binding.
Solicitor vs. DIY Changes: A Crucial Decision
A Will is a powerful legal document. Using a regulated solicitor is the only way to ensure your changes are safe, valid, and legally binding.
DIY / Unregulated Service
- High risk of invalidating the Will
- No legal protection if things go wrong
- Cannot handle complex tax or trust issues
- Often creates ambiguity and family disputes
SRA-Regulated Solicitor (Our Service)
- Guarantees your changes are legally valid
- Fully insured and regulated for your protection
- Expert advice on inheritance tax and trusts
- Provides certainty and prevents future conflict
"They Explained Everything Clearly and I Felt I Was in Safe Hands"
Our Simple 3-Step Process to Change Your Will
1. Consultation
We discuss your desired changes and advise on whether a codicil or a new will is the most appropriate and secure option for you.
2. Drafting
Our expert solicitors professionally draft the new will or codicil, ensuring the legal language is precise and unambiguous.
3. Signing & Witnessing
We guide you through the formal signing and witnessing process to ensure your updated wishes are legally binding and valid.
Your Questions About Changing a Will
You should review your Will every 5 years, but you must update it after any major life event. This includes getting married or divorced, having children, a beneficiary passing away, or a significant change in your financial circumstances. Getting married, for example, automatically revokes a Will in most cases.
The cost depends on the complexity of the changes. A simple codicil for a minor change is less expensive than drafting a completely new Will. We provide a clear, fixed-fee quote upfront so you know exactly what the cost will be before any work begins.
No, you should never make handwritten changes to your Will after it has been signed. Any un-witnessed alterations will be invalid and can create ambiguity that makes the entire Will, or parts of it, unenforceable. The only safe way is a formal codicil or a new Will.
Ensure Your Will Reflects Your Wishes
Don't risk your legacy with a DIY update. Let our expert solicitors provide the clarity and security you need.
Request a Callback to Get StartedGet in Touch
0330 333 8797
info@wildings-solicitors.co.uk
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862-864 Washwood Heath Rd, Ward End, Birmingham, B8 2NG
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
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