Can I Change My Will Without a Solicitor UK

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Your will is one of the most important legal documents you’ll ever make. It ensures your estate is distributed according to your wishes and provides clarity for your loved ones after your death. Over time, your circumstances may change you might get married, have children, or acquire new assets so it’s natural to want to update your will.

While you can legally make minor changes yourself, many people choose to use a solicitor to avoid errors or legal complications. This article explains how you can change your will, when a solicitor’s help is recommended, and what happens if changes are made incorrectly.

How to Change Your Will

There are two main ways to change your will in the UK: creating a codicil or making a new will altogether.

1. Making a Codicil

A codicil is a separate document used to make small amendments to an existing will. It must be signed and witnessed in the same way as the original. Common reasons for using a codicil include:

• Updating an executor or beneficiary

• Changing small gifts or specific items

• Amending funeral wishes

Codicils are best suited for straightforward changes. However, if you make several over time, your will can become confusing, increasing the risk of mistakes or contradictions.

2. Making a New Will

If you want to make significant changes such as adding or removing beneficiaries, altering how your estate is divided, or updating marital details it’s usually better to create a new will.

When you make a new will, it automatically revokes all previous versions. To ensure clarity, the new will should clearly state that all former wills and codicils are void.

Can You Make Changes Without a Solicitor

Yes, you can change your will without a solicitor, as long as it meets the legal requirements. Any amendments must be made in writing, signed, and witnessed by two independent adults who are not beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries.

However, while the law allows you to do this, it’s easy to make mistakes that can invalidate your will or lead to disputes after your death. Problems often arise from unclear wording, incorrect witnessing, or conflicting instructions between old and new documents.

Risks of Changing a Will Without Professional Advice

Making changes without legal guidance can seem simple but often leads to complications. Common risks include:

• Invalid changes: If the new will or codicil isn’t properly signed and witnessed, it may not be legally valid.

• Conflicting instructions: Multiple amendments can contradict one another, causing confusion for executors and beneficiaries.

• Ambiguity: Poor wording can leave room for interpretation, which may result in family disputes or legal challenges.

• Outdated references: If your will mentions assets or people who no longer exist, it could make parts of it unenforceable.

Solicitors are trained to ensure all changes are legally compliant, consistent, and clearly documented. They also store copies safely and help prevent accidental loss or tampering.

When You Should Use a Solicitor

There are several situations where using a solicitor is strongly recommended:

• You want to make major changes, such as altering who inherits your home or savings.

• Your estate includes property abroad, business interests, or trusts.

• You’ve remarried, divorced, or had children since your last will.

• You want to exclude someone from your will.

• You’re unsure how inheritance tax rules apply to your estate.

In these cases, professional advice ensures your updated will reflects your wishes clearly and remains legally binding.

The Cost of Changing a Will

The cost of updating a will depends on the complexity of your situation. A simple codicil may cost around £50 to £100, while drafting a new will through a solicitor typically ranges from £150 to £500 or more for complex estates.

While this is an added expense, it can save far more in potential legal disputes or inheritance issues later. Having a solicitor review your document provides reassurance that it will stand up legally and deliver your intentions accurately.

How Often Should You Review Your Will

Even if no major life events occur, it’s sensible to review your will every three to five years. Laws change, assets grow, and relationships evolve, so regular reviews help keep your will up to date.

You should also review it immediately after key life events such as marriage, divorce, retirement, or receiving an inheritance.

Can You Write Your Entire New Will Without a Solicitor

Yes, you can write a new will yourself using a will-writing kit or online service. However, many of these templates don’t account for complex personal circumstances or legal nuances. Mistakes are common, particularly around witnessing, inheritance tax, or wording that accidentally excludes intended beneficiaries.

If your estate is simple, you may manage without a solicitor, but for anything involving property, dependents, or large sums of money, professional support is strongly advised.

What Happens If Your Will Is Invalid

If a new or amended will is found to be invalid after your death, the previous valid version will apply. If no valid will exists, your estate will be distributed under intestacy rules, which may not reflect your wishes.

This can lead to disputes between family members, delays in probate, and potentially higher legal costs. Having a solicitor prepare or review your changes helps avoid these outcomes.

Final Thoughts

While you can legally change your will without a solicitor, it’s not always wise. The will-writing and amendment process involves strict legal formalities that must be followed precisely. Even small mistakes can make your will invalid or lead to family disagreements later.

Working with a solicitor ensures every change is legally sound, clearly worded, and fully reflects your intentions. It also provides peace of mind that your estate will be managed exactly as you wish.

At Lillian Purge, we help solicitors improve their visibility online so that individuals searching for trusted will-writing and estate planning advice can find them easily. Through SEO and targeted content, we make it easier for clients to connect with legal professionals who can provide the expert guidance they need.

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