How to Use This Checklist
Click each checkbox to mark items as complete. Your progress is automatically saved to your browser. Use this checklist to verify every requirement before, during, and after creating your will.
✅ Preparing Your Will Revocation
1. Before starting: Locate your existing will and confirm you want to revoke it completely
2. While completing: Verify every section against all 32 compliance points
3. Before signing: Have your new will ready to execute immediately after revocation
⚠️ Critical Warning: Intestacy Risk
🚫 Never Revoke Without a Plan: If you revoke your will without making a new one, you die intestate (without a valid will).
💰 Intestacy Rules Apply: Your estate is distributed according to fixed legal rules - NOT your wishes. Unmarried partners receive NOTHING.
📅 Same-Day Execution: Prepare your new will BEFORE revoking the old one. Ideally execute both on the same day.
👥 Family Impact: Intestacy can mean estranged relatives inheriting, unequal distribution, or the Crown taking your estate if you have no family.
🚫 Methods of Will Revocation
Written Revocation: A formal document revoking your will, executed with the same formalities as a will (this template). New Will with Revocation Clause: Most common method - your new will includes "I revoke all former wills." Physical Destruction: Burning, tearing, or destroying your will with the intention to revoke it. Marriage: Getting married automatically revokes your will unless it was made "in contemplation of marriage to [specific person]."
🔵 Understanding Importance Levels
🔴 Critical: Should have — required for valid revocation
🟡 Important: Should have — protects against challenges
🔵 Recommended: Nice to have — best practice for clarity
Confirm Revocation Is Necessary?Consider: Do you need to revoke completely, or just amend? Minor changes (e.g. changing executor, adding a gift) can be done via codicil. Full revocation is needed when: making completely new will, major life changes, fundamental errors in existing will, or complete change of beneficiaries.
Consider whether revocation is truly necessary. If you only want to make minor changes, a codicil (amendment) may be more appropriate. Full revocation is appropriate when making a completely new will, circumstances have drastically changed, or the existing will has fundamental errors.
🔴 Critical
Understand Intestacy Consequences?Intestacy rules: Married with children = spouse gets first £322,000 + half of rest, children split other half. Unmarried partner = NOTHING (even after 30 years together). No spouse/children = parents inherit. No parents = siblings. No siblings = Crown takes all. Plan your new will BEFORE revoking.
Fully understand what happens if you die without a valid will. Intestacy rules may result in: unmarried partners receiving nothing, estranged relatives inheriting, unequal distribution among children, or the Crown inheriting if no relatives exist. Plan your new will before revoking.
🔴 Critical
Methods of Revocation?Four legal methods: (1) Written revocation document - this template, (2) New will with revocation clause - most common, (3) Physical destruction - burn/tear with intention to revoke, (4) Marriage - automatically revokes unless made "in contemplation of marriage to [name]". Divorce does NOT revoke your will.
Understand the legal methods of revoking a will: (1) Written revocation document (this template), (2) Making a new will with revocation clause, (3) Physical destruction with intention to revoke, (4) Marriage (automatically revokes prior wills unless made in contemplation of marriage). This checklist covers method 1.
🟡 Important
Plan for New Will
Have a plan for making a new will immediately after revocation. Ideally, prepare your new will in advance and execute it on the same day as the revocation. Never leave yourself intestate for any period if possible.
🟡 Important
Full Legal Name
Your complete legal name exactly as it appears on your existing will. If your name has changed since making the will (marriage, divorce, deed poll), include both names to ensure clear identification and connection to the will being revoked.
🔴 Critical
Current Residential Address
Your full current address. This helps identify you and may differ from the address on your original will if you have moved. Include postcode for clarity.
🔴 Critical
Occupation
Your current occupation, or "Retired" if applicable. This additional identification helps distinguish you from others with similar names and adds weight to the document's formality.
🔵 Recommended
Date of Revocation
The date you are signing the revocation notice. Your existing will becomes void from this date. This date must be after the date of your original will. Format clearly (e.g., "15th day of December 2025").
🔴 Critical
Revocation Scope Decided?Option 1: "I revoke ALL former Wills and testamentary dispositions" - complete clean slate, most common. Option 2: "I revoke my Will dated [specific date]" - only that will, useful if you have wills in different countries. Most people choose Option 1 for complete clarity.
Decide whether to revoke: (1) All previous wills and codicils - complete clean slate, or (2) A specific will only - useful if you have wills in different jurisdictions and only want to revoke one. Most people choose option 1 for complete clarity.
🔴 Critical
Specific Will Date (if applicable)
If revoking only a specific will, state its exact execution date. Example: "my Will dated the 10th day of March 2020." This precisely identifies which document is being revoked while leaving others intact.
🔴 Critical
Will Description (if applicable)
Optional additional description to identify a specific will, such as "held by Smith & Jones Solicitors" or "executed at my home in Bristol." Helpful if you have multiple wills or the date is uncertain.
🔵 Recommended
Codicils Included in Revocation
Confirm that any codicils (amendments) to the will are also being revoked. If revoking all wills, standard wording covers codicils. If revoking a specific will, explicitly include its codicils: "...and all codicils thereto."
🟡 Important
⚡
Instant Download
You've Done the Research. Now Finish It.
Complete will revocation template — all clauses included, professionally drafted.
Fill in your details in minutes and you're done.
£10 — Own It Forever
Create Your Revocation Now
→
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee*
Preview before you buy • Lifetime updates • No subscription
🔓 17 More Compliance Points Locked
Enter your email to continue FREE, or skip the checklist and get the template.
Reason Decision?You are NOT legally required to give a reason. The revocation is valid without one. However, stating a reason helps: (1) Demonstrate clear intention, (2) Show mental capacity, (3) Explain if challenged later. Common reasons: "intending to execute a new Will", "change in personal circumstances", "change in assets".
Decide whether to state a reason for revocation. You are NOT legally required to give a reason - a revocation is valid without one. However, stating a reason can help demonstrate clear intention and mental capacity if the revocation is later challenged.
🟡 Important
Common Reasons
Common acceptable reasons include: intending to execute a new will, change in personal circumstances (marriage, divorce, birth of children), change in assets or financial situation, error or deficiency in original will, or change of mind about beneficiaries.
🔵 Recommended
Reason Wording
If stating a reason, keep it factual and simple. Avoid disparaging comments about beneficiaries or detailed personal matters that could cause family disputes. Example: "I intend to execute a new Will reflecting my current wishes."
🔵 Recommended
Testamentary Capacity?Same test as making a will: You must understand (1) what a will is, (2) what revoking it means, (3) the effect on your estate (intestacy if no new will). If there are concerns about capacity due to age, illness, or cognitive issues, get a doctor's assessment dated the same day as revocation signing.
You must have mental capacity to revoke a will - understand what a will is, what revoking it means, and the effect on your estate. The same capacity test applies as for making a will. A revocation made without capacity is invalid.
🔴 Critical
Capacity Declaration Type
Choose between standard declaration (sufficient for most people) or enhanced declaration with medical confirmation. Enhanced declaration is advisable if there are any concerns about capacity due to age, illness, or cognitive issues.
🟡 Important
No Undue Influence
The revocation must be your own decision, made freely without pressure or coercion from others. A revocation made under undue influence can be challenged and set aside. Consider whether anyone is pressuring you to revoke.
🔴 Critical
Clear Revocation Statement?Standard wording for ALL wills: "I hereby revoke all former Wills and testamentary dispositions made by me." Standard wording for SPECIFIC will: "I hereby revoke my Will dated [date]." AVOID: "I might revoke", "I consider revoking", "I intend to revoke later". Must be present tense, definite.
The document must contain clear, unambiguous language revoking the will. Standard wording: "I hereby revoke all former Wills and testamentary dispositions made by me" or "I hereby revoke my Will dated [date]." Vague or conditional language may fail.
🔴 Critical
Intent to Revoke Declared
The document should clearly state your intention to revoke, not merely discuss or consider revocation. Words like "I hereby revoke" or "I do revoke" demonstrate present, immediate intention. Avoid future tense like "I will revoke."
🔴 Critical
⚡
Instant Download
You've Done the Research. Now Finish It.
Complete will revocation template — all clauses included, professionally drafted.
Fill in your details in minutes and you're done.
£10 — Own It Forever
Create Your Revocation Now
→
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee*
Preview before you buy • Lifetime updates • No subscription
Signature Space Provided
Clear space for your signature at the end of the revocation notice. The document must be signed to be effective. Sign in permanent ink - blue or black is standard.
🔴 Critical
Printed Name Included
Space to print your name below your signature for clarity. Signatures can be difficult to read - a printed name ensures the signatory is clearly identified.
🟡 Important
Date Line Provided
Space to write the date of signing. This should match the revocation date stated in the document. The date confirms when the revocation took effect.
🔴 Critical
Wills Act 1837 Compliance?A written revocation should be executed like a will: Signed by you in presence of two witnesses, who then sign in your presence. All three people in room together. Same rules as will execution. This ensures maximum legal weight and minimises challenge risk.
A written revocation should be executed with the same formalities as a will under Wills Act 1837: signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses who then sign in the testator's presence. This ensures maximum legal weight.
🔴 Critical
Two Witnesses Required
Two witnesses must observe you signing the revocation notice. Both witnesses must be present at the same time - you cannot have one witness today and another tomorrow. They then sign in your presence and in each other's presence.
🔴 Critical
Witness Eligibility?Unlike witnessing a will (where beneficiaries lose inheritance), there's no direct beneficiary issue with a revocation notice - you're not giving anything to anyone. However, best practice is still to use independent witnesses aged 18+. Avoid family members if possible.
Witnesses should be aged 18 or over and mentally capable. Unlike witnessing a will (where beneficiaries lose their inheritance), there's no direct beneficiary issue with a revocation - but best practice is to use independent witnesses.
🟡 Important
Witness Details Recorded
Each witness should provide: signature, full name (printed), current address, and occupation. This information helps locate witnesses if the revocation is challenged and must be proven.
🔴 Critical
Witness Attestation
Each witness should confirm they witnessed you signing the document. Standard wording: "I confirm that the above-named person signed this document in my presence, and that I am signing as a witness in their presence and in the presence of the other witness."
🟡 Important
Safe Storage of Revocation
Store the signed revocation notice in a safe place with your other important legal documents. Consider: fireproof safe, solicitor's storage, or bank safe deposit box. Keep a copy for your records.
🟡 Important
Notify Relevant Parties?Who to notify: Your solicitor (if any), the executor(s) named in revoked will (they should know they're no longer executor), any will storage service (e.g. National Will Register), anyone who holds a copy of old will. Keep records of who you notified.
Inform your solicitor (if you have one), former executors named in the revoked will, and any will storage service. If your will was registered with the National Will Register, update or remove the registration.
🟡 Important
Destroy Original Will (Optional)
You may physically destroy the original will as additional evidence of revocation, but this is not required if you have a valid written revocation. If destroying, do so completely (burn or shred) with intention to revoke. The revocation notice alone is sufficient.
🔵 Recommended
Make New Will Immediately?CRITICAL: Execute a new will as soon as possible - ideally same day as revocation. Every day without a valid will is a day of risk. If you die intestate, distribution follows strict legal rules: spouse gets first £322k + half the rest, children split other half, unmarried partners get NOTHING.
Execute a new will as soon as possible - ideally on the same day as the revocation. Every day without a valid will is a day of risk. Use our Last Will and Testament template to create a new will immediately after revocation.
🔴 Critical
⚡
Instant Download
You've Done the Research. Now Finish It.
Complete will revocation template — all clauses included, professionally drafted.
Fill in your details in minutes and you're done.
£10 — Own It Forever
Create Your Revocation Now
→
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee*
Preview before you buy • Lifetime updates • No subscription
Next Steps
Now that you've reviewed the compliance checklist, you have two options:
✅ Use Our Ready-Made Template
Revoke your will with our professionally drafted template. Covers all 32 compliance points with proper declaration wording, execution requirements, and witness attestation. Available in both Smart Interview (guided) and Classic Editor (direct editing) modes for just £10. Preview the full template with watermark before you buy. Get the template →
📝 Create Your Own Revocation
Use this checklist as your guide, but remember: (1) NEVER revoke without having a new will ready to execute, (2) The revocation should be witnessed like a will under Wills Act 1837, (3) If you die without a valid will, intestacy rules apply and your unmarried partner may receive nothing.
🔗
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
General information about revoking a will in England & Wales
Do I need a solicitor to revoke my will?
Many complete straightforward will revocations without one. Our template is based on UK law and includes clear guidance. Consider review for complex circumstances such as multiple wills in different jurisdictions.
What happens if I revoke my will without making a new one?
You would die intestate (without a valid will). Intestacy rules would apply, meaning your estate is distributed according to a fixed legal formula. Unmarried partners receive nothing, and distribution may not reflect your wishes.
What are the legal methods of revoking a will?
There are four methods: (1) Written revocation document witnessed like a will, (2) Making a new will with a revocation clause, (3) Physical destruction with intention to revoke, (4) Marriage (automatically revokes prior wills unless made in contemplation of that marriage).
Does a written revocation need to be witnessed?
Yes. A written revocation should be executed with the same formalities as a will under Wills Act 1837: signed by you in the presence of two witnesses who then sign in your presence. This ensures maximum legal weight.
Should I make a new will on the same day as revoking?
Yes, this is best practice. Prepare your new will before revoking the old one, and execute both on the same day if possible. This minimises the risk of dying intestate and ensures your wishes are always documented.
Looking for more free legal tools?
Explore the full guide:
Free Legal Checklists UK — What's Actually Free?
Disclaimer: This checklist is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to keep information accurate and up to date, the law is complex and subject to change. Every situation is unique. Last updated: May 2026.
www.templatesuk.com