couple, documents and will with lawyer for finance, advice or legal agreement together

HOW TO CHANGE A WILL

Discover the options available for changing your will in the UK with our comprehensive guide.

Many people in the UK create a will to make sure their assets are protected and given to the right people when they die. However, life changes, and your wishes might change too. You might want to add new beneficiaries, change what current ones get or remove someone entirely.

But can you change a will in the UK? How do you do it? And how much does it cost? Find out everything you need to know in our complete guide.

Can a will be changed?

Once your will has been signed and witnessed, you can’t make any handwritten amendments or informal changes – like crossing things out or adding new instructions. To make valid changes, they must be carried out formally. This can be done by adding a signed and witnessed codicil, or, if you need to make several updates, by creating a new will.

After someone passes away, their will can also be changed. Beneficiaries can do this with a deed of variation, as long as no beneficiary is worse off unless they agree to it. Our deed of variation guide has all the details you need.

When should you update a will?

The UK government suggests checking your will every five years to see if it needs updates. However, you should review it right away after any major life changes, such as:

Marriage: Getting married cancels your old will, so you need to update it.
Divorce: Your will doesn't become invalid after a divorce, so you need to change it manually.
Death of executor: If your executor dies or can't do the job anymore, you should choose someone else.
Death of beneficiary: If a beneficiary dies before you, review the assets you planned to leave them.
Having children or grandchildren: You might want to add them as beneficiaries.
Moving house: Make sure your will includes your new property.

Lawyer is signing a last will and testament during a meeting with a client in their office — Image credit: Shutterstock/ Amnaj Khetsamtip

How to update a will

There are two ways to update a will:

Codicils

If you need to make small changes to your will, you can use a codicil. A codicil is an official document that modifies your original will. People often use codicils to update or remove parts of their will. For example, you might use one to change or add an executor, reallocate a bequest or update your funeral plans. Using a codicil means you don't have to rewrite your entire will, and the remaining parts of your will remain the same.

However, codicils can become complicated. Each one must be read alongside your original will (and any other codicils you’ve added) which can make the overall intentions harder to interpret. Also, if your will becomes a public document after probate, both the original will and any codicils will also be publicly available. This means earlier instructions or intentions that you later changed may still be visible, which some people may prefer to avoid.

Just like your will, a codicil must be signed and witnessed, although it doesn’t have to be the same witnesses. You then store it away safely alongside the original will document. You can add as many codicils as you need.

Creating a new will

When you need to make big changes to your will, or even several small ones, it's easiest to create a new will. Big changes might include setting up a trust, removing a living beneficiary or changing your main beneficiary.

If you decide to write a new will, make sure to clearly state that you want to cancel your old will (and any updates to it). Also, destroy your old will and any copies to avoid confusion after you pass away.

How much does it cost to change a will?

The cost of changing a will depends on the type of update you choose. If you add a codicil, the price can vary depending on how complex it is, but you’ll likely pay somewhere between £30 and £100.

If you choose to write a brand-new will, the cost depends on your provider and the type of will. With Saga Legal has, partnered with Co-op Legal Services, who offer fixed fees for writing new wills, so you won’t find any hidden fees. Costs vary from £149 (a will for yourself) or from £249 (mirror wills).

Get the help you need

Want to ask us about the free legal review or find out more about estate planning? The expert team will be happy to talk to you.

0330 041 7953

Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 7:15pm
Friday: 9:00am - 6.15pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Bank holidays: Closed

Book your free review

Important

Saga is a registered trading name of Saga Personal Finance Limited, which is registered in England and Wales (company number 3023493). Registered office 3 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG. Saga is not authorised or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). All legal services are provided by Co-op Legal Services. Co-op Legal Services is a trading name of Co-operative Legal Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the SRA, under registration number 567391.