Can I change my will after I've made it?
General Wills
Yes, you can change your will at any time, and you should update it whenever your circumstances change significantly.
There are two ways to change your will:
1. Codicil (for small changes)
A codicil is a legal document that makes minor amendments to your existing will without replacing it entirely. It must be signed and witnessed just like a will. Good for small changes like:
- Updating addresses
- Changing small gift amounts
- Adding a minor bequest
2. New will (for major changes - recommended)
For significant changes, it's better to make a completely new will that revokes all previous wills. This is clearer and less confusing than multiple codicils. Recommended for:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth of children
- Death of executors or beneficiaries
- Major financial changes
- Any significant change to your wishes
When to update:
- Marriage (your old will becomes invalid automatically)
- Divorce
- Birth or adoption of children
- Death of named people
- Significant financial changes
- Every 3-5 years as a regular review
With WillsConnect, updates are easy - log in to your account, make changes, get expert review, and download your updated will.