Can I Change My Will Without a Solicitor UK

Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are respected after your death. However, circumstances often change over time. People get married or divorced, children are born, new property is acquired, or relationships shift. This leads many to ask whether they can change their will without a solicitor. The short answer is yes, it is possible, but there are important considerations to make sure the changes are valid and legally enforceable.

How Wills Can Be Changed

A will can be altered in two main ways. The first is by creating a codicil, which is a legal document that makes formal changes to your existing will. The second is by writing an entirely new will, which automatically revokes the previous one. Both methods are legally recognised in the UK. A codicil is usually suitable for minor amendments, such as changing executors, adding or removing beneficiaries, or adjusting small details. A new will is more appropriate when major changes are required, such as redistributing your estate or reflecting significant life events.

Changing a Will Without a Solicitor

Legally, you do not have to use a solicitor to change your will. You can create a codicil or a new will yourself, provided that it meets the formal legal requirements. These include being in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two independent adults who are not beneficiaries of the will. As long as these conditions are met, the document will usually be valid. Many people choose to use DIY will kits or templates for this purpose.

Risks of Making Changes Without Professional Help

Although it is possible to change a will without a solicitor, there are risks in doing so. Mistakes in wording, incorrect signing or witnessing, or unclear instructions can make a will invalid or open to challenge. Even small errors can lead to disputes among beneficiaries, causing stress and additional costs for your family. The law around wills is strict, and courts do not excuse procedural mistakes. If your estate is complex or if you want to make major changes, it is safer to have professional guidance.

When to Use a Solicitor

While simple amendments can sometimes be managed without a solicitor, there are situations where professional help is strongly recommended. These include cases where you own property abroad, run a business, have a high value estate, are dealing with inheritance tax planning, or have family circumstances that might lead to disputes. In such cases, a solicitor ensures that the will is drafted clearly, meets all legal requirements, and reflects your intentions without ambiguity.

The Balance Between Cost and Certainty

One reason people consider changing their will without a solicitor is cost. Writing a new will through a solicitor can cost a few hundred pounds, depending on its complexity, while DIY options are much cheaper. However, the saving must be weighed against the risk of an invalid or unclear will. A solicitor not only ensures legal compliance but can also provide valuable advice on issues such as tax implications, guardianship of children, and the best way to structure your estate.

Conclusion

You can change your will without a solicitor by writing a codicil or creating a new will, provided the legal requirements are followed. For simple changes, this may be sufficient, but for complex estates or significant alterations, professional advice is advisable. Using a solicitor reduces the risk of errors and disputes, giving you confidence that your wishes will be carried out exactly as intended. Ultimately, while it is not a legal requirement to use a solicitor, doing so often provides peace of mind and long-term protection for your loved ones.