As your life and those around you change, it is likely that your wishes regarding the distribution of your estate will need to be updated to reflect these changes.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can make amendments to your Will once it’s been signed and finalised, and when it might be necessary.
Ways to Change a Will
You can modify your Will in various ways, depending on the changes you need to make:
Codicil
Revoking the Old Will and Creating a New One
When Should You Change Your Will?
It’s important to update your Will whenever there are significant life changes, for both you and those touched by your estate planning, such as:
Mistakes To Avoid When Updating Your Will
When altering your Will, you must ensure that the changes are properly set out and executed. Failing to meet the legal requirements can render the changes invalid.
We occasionally hear from clients who have handwritten amendments directly onto their original Will, assuming this will be legally binding. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Alterations must be correctly drafted and properly witnessed to take effect. Simply annotating the document, even with clear intentions, does not usually meet the legal requirements and can create uncertainty later on. In some cases, you could even risk invalidating part (or all) of the original Will.
If you wish to make changes, it is always safer to do so formally, either by preparing a codicil or making a new Will.
Conclusion
You can change your Will at any time, provided you follow the proper legal steps. Whether you choose to use a codicil for minor changes or create an entirely new Will, it’s important to keep your Will up to date as your life circumstances evolve. Regularly reviewing your Will can give you peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out as intended.
Contact us
If you or a friend/family member are looking to prepare a Will or update one and would like our assistance, please contact our office on: enquiries@charles-coleman.com or telephone our Windsor office on 01753 861 115 or our Virginia Water office on 01344 843 666, and our Private Client team would be delighted to help.
This blog is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If clients wish to discuss any of the above, please contact our Private Client department, who will be pleased to assist you.
