Can I change my will?
Yes. You can change your will at any time while you have mental capacity. Small changes are made with a codicil — a signed, witnessed addition. Larger changes are best made by writing a new will that revokes the previous one. Never amend a will by crossing words out or writing in the margin: handwritten alterations are usually invalid and cause disputes.
Detailed explanation
A will has no legal effect until you die, so you are free to update it as often as you like. There are two proper ways to make changes.
A codicil is a short supplementary document that amends specific parts of an existing will while leaving the rest in place. It must be signed and witnessed with the same formalities as a will (section 9, Wills Act 1837). Codicils suit a single, simple change — swapping an executor, adjusting one gift, or adding a small legacy.
A new will is the better route for anything substantial or where you have already made one or two codicils. A new will should contain a clause revoking all previous wills and codicils, so there is no doubt which document governs your estate. Once the new will is signed and witnessed, destroy the old one to avoid confusion.
It is wise to review your will after major life events: marriage (which usually revokes a will), divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, buying property, a beneficiary's death, or a significant change in your finances. Marking up the original document by hand does not work — section 21 of the Act means most unattested alterations are simply ignored.
Helen wants to add a £2,000 gift to her grandson. Rather than writing it onto her existing will, she signs a codicil in front of two witnesses. Five years later, after her divorce and a house move, she has several changes to make, so she replaces the whole document with a new will that revokes the old will and the codicil.
Sources
- Wills Act 1837, sections 9, 20 and 21 — legislation.gov.uk
- GOV.UK — Update a will
- Citizens Advice — Wills
- Reviewed by
- Michael Smith, Estate Planning Specialist
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Next review
- December 2026
- Jurisdiction
- England & Wales
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