Can I amend my Will?
The simple answer is yes. You can amend your Will in two ways:
1. Basic Amendment - prepare a witnessed 'Codicil'
If it is a basic alteration you require (e.g. a change in executor or beneficiary), a document called a 'Codicil' is used. This document is an addition to your existing Will, which confirms the validity of the existing Will and also makes the alteration. The same legal formats are required when making a Codicil which ensure it's validity.
2. Significant Amendment - destroy your old Will and made a new one
If you require a significant alteration (e.g. change in beneficiary resultant from a divorce or marriage), then it may be necessary, and more cost-efficient, to rewrite your Will entirely.
We recommend that you review your Will every three years to ensure that it continues to reflect your wishes, taking into account any change in circumstances such as marriage, civil partnership, divorce, dependants, and finances so that your assets can be passed to your spouse, civil partner or dependants upon your death. If your will states that your assets should be passed to someone other than your spouse, civil partner or dependants and you no longer wish for this to be the case, you must rewrite your will.
If you already have a Will and would like to discuss any changes in your circumstances, or change a Will, we would be happy to review your Will with you free of charge. Simply contact us and a member of our team will call you back at a time convenient with you.