Codicil to Will Template

(England & Wales)

Create your codicil with executor changes, beneficiary updates, gift modifications, and minor corrections — without rewriting the whole document.

Professionally drafted — structured following Wills Act 1837 requirements for England and Wales.

Download a professionally drafted codicil template, also known as a codicil to a will, will amendment, or will supplement. A codicil allows you to make minor changes to your existing will without rewriting it — update executors, add or remove beneficiaries, change specific gifts, or amend guardian appointments. Covers amendment declaration, reference to original will, specific changes, revocation of amended clauses only, confirmation of remaining provisions, proper execution and witness attestation. Structured following Wills Act 1837 requirements for England and Wales.

One-time payment: £10
✓ Lifetime access • ✓ Lifetime updates • ✓ Fully editable • ✓ Based on UK law • ✓ Instant download
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Build your codicil first — preview every clause before purchase. Only pay when you're happy.
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🎯 Two creation methods — same professional document

Whether you prefer step-by-step guidance or a traditional form, both methods produce the identical professionally-formatted codicil. Choose the style that suits you.

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Smart Interview

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Completion Time
~10 min
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Completion Time
~5 min

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♻️ Unlimited use — generate codicils whenever you need to amend your will

💡 Need more than just a Codicil?

Get our Complete Estate Planning Pack — all 8 templates for comprehensive estate planning including wills, trusts, and healthcare planning.

Who Needs a Codicil?

A codicil is the legal way to make minor changes to an existing will without rewriting the entire document — perfect for small updates that don't require a completely new will.

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Changing Executors
Named executor has died, moved away, or can no longer serve
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Adding Beneficiaries
New child, grandchild, or family member to include in your will
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Removing Beneficiaries
Beneficiary has died, relationship ended, or circumstances changed
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Changing Gift Amounts
Increase or decrease monetary gifts to reflect current wishes
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Updating Guardians
Change guardian nominations for minor children
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Specific Item Changes
Add or remove specific bequests (jewellery, vehicles, etc.)
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Address Updates
Update addresses for beneficiaries or executors
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Minor Corrections
Fix spelling errors, clarify wording, or correct details

A valid codicil in England and Wales must clearly identify the original will being amended, state the specific changes, confirm all other provisions remain unchanged, and be properly signed and witnessed under the same Wills Act 1837 requirements as the original will.▼ Tap below to read more

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What Is a Codicil and When Should You Use One?

A codicil is a legal document that amends, modifies, or adds to an existing will without revoking it entirely. It must be executed with the same formalities as a will (signed in the presence of two independent witnesses) and is read together with your original will during probate.

When to Use a Codicil:

  • Executor changes — Your named executor has died, moved abroad, become incapacitated, or you want to appoint someone else
  • Beneficiary updates — Adding new family members (grandchildren, in-laws) or removing beneficiaries due to death or changed circumstances
  • Gift modifications — Changing monetary amounts, adding or removing specific bequests (jewellery, vehicles, property)
  • Guardian changes — Updating guardian nominations for minor children
  • Address corrections — Updating addresses for beneficiaries, executors, or trustees
  • Minor clarifications — Fixing errors, clarifying ambiguous wording, correcting names or descriptions

When to Write a New Will Instead:

If you're making extensive changes (more than 2-3 amendments), significantly restructuring your estate distribution, or have experienced major life events (marriage, divorce, significant asset changes), write a completely new will instead. Multiple codicils create confusion and increase the risk of interpretation disputes during probate.

Our codicil template is professionally drafted and structured following the Wills Act 1837 for proper integration with your existing will.

Making changes to a will without a properly executed codicil — such as crossing out text or writing in margins — can invalidate the entire will. An improperly witnessed codicil may also be challenged during probate.▼ Tap below to read more

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Risks of Not Properly Amending Your Will

Legal and Financial Risks:

  • Invalid amendments: Writing on your will, crossing out provisions, or making changes without proper execution makes those amendments legally ineffective — your original provisions still apply.
  • Outdated executor appointments: If your named executor has died or become incapable, probate becomes complicated and costly. Courts may need to appoint administrators, adding months of delay.
  • Unintended beneficiaries: Without proper amendments, deceased beneficiaries' shares may pass to people you didn't intend — their children, your residuary beneficiaries, or through intestacy rules.
  • Disputes between beneficiaries: Ambiguous or improperly amended wills invite costly legal challenges. Inheritance disputes average £30,000–£100,000 in legal costs and can take years to resolve.
  • Gifts that fail: Specific bequests of items you no longer own (sold property, disposed jewellery) become "adeemed" — the beneficiary receives nothing and may challenge the estate.

A properly executed codicil helps avoid these problems.

Our codicil template covers amendment declaration, reference to the original will, specific clause changes, revocation of amended provisions only, confirmation of all remaining clauses, and proper execution with witness attestation.▼ Tap below to read more

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What's Included in Our Codicil Template

Comprehensive Codicil Coverage:

  • ✓ Clear identification of the original will being amended
  • ✓ Declaration that all other provisions remain in force
  • ✓ Specific amendment sections for each change
  • ✓ Executor change provisions
  • ✓ Beneficiary addition/removal clauses
  • ✓ Gift modification sections
  • ✓ Guardian update provisions
  • ✓ Proper revocation language for replaced clauses
  • ✓ Confirmation of unchanged provisions
  • ✓ Full execution requirements (signature, witnesses)
  • ✓ Witness attestation clause
  • ✓ Date and place of execution

Professionally structured and ready for signing.

Related documents: Codicils are often used alongside a Last Will and Testament, Letter of Wishes, and Will Revocation Notice when making a completely new will.

Common codicil mistakes include failing to reference the original will correctly, not having two independent witnesses present when signing, and making too many codicils instead of writing a new will for major changes.▼ Tap below to read more

Common Codicil Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Make These Critical Errors:

  • Writing on your will: Never cross out, write on, or make handwritten changes to your original will — these are legally ineffective.
  • Wrong witnesses: Beneficiaries (or their spouses) cannot witness a codicil — doing so invalidates their gift.
  • Missing witness signatures: Both witnesses must sign in your presence and each other's presence.
  • Vague language: "I leave my jewellery to my niece" — which niece? Which jewellery? Be specific.
  • Too many codicils: After 2-3 codicils, write a new will instead — multiple amendments confuse executors.
  • Not keeping codicil with will: Store your codicil with your original will — they must be read together.
  • Contradictory provisions: Ensure your codicil doesn't contradict other unchanged parts of your will.
  • Not telling executors: Your executors need to know the codicil exists and where to find it.

Our template helps you avoid these mistakes with clear structure and guidance.

⚠️ After you download — IMPORTANT:

You must sign in the presence of two independent adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries (or spouses of beneficiaries) under either the will or the codicil. Both witnesses must sign in your presence and each other's presence. Store the codicil with your original will and inform your executors of its existence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a codicil legally binding?

Yes. When completed and signed correctly, this creates a legally recognised amendment to your will under England and Wales law.

Our template includes professional legal structure, all required clauses, and proper signing/witness requirements.

Codicils are widely used across the UK to amend existing wills without creating an entirely new document. High-value or complex situations? Some customers opt for solicitor review before signing.

Does a codicil have the same legal standing as a new will?

Yes, when properly witnessed.

A codicil has the same legal standing as a will under the Wills Act 1837.

It must meet identical requirements: signed by you, witnessed by two independent adults who both see you sign.

The witnesses cannot be beneficiaries.

How much does a solicitor charge for a codicil?

Solicitor fees for a codicil typically range from £75 to £200+, depending on the changes and solicitor.

Our template is £10 one-time. Many complete their codicil confidently without additional legal costs.

Consider solicitor review if your changes affect significant assets or complex trust provisions.

Can I write my own codicil without a solicitor?

Yes. There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor to make a codicil in England and Wales. A codicil must be signed and witnessed following the same rules as a will — two independent witnesses aged 18 or over.

Our template guides you through every step. Many customers complete their codicil confidently without one.

Consider solicitor review if your changes are complex or involve significant financial amounts.

When should I use a codicil instead of making a new will?

A codicil is suitable for minor changes — updating an executor, adding or removing a small gift, or changing a guardian appointment.

For major changes — new spouse, additional children, significant new assets, or multiple amendments — it is generally better to make a new will entirely. Our Last Will and Testament template covers comprehensive estate planning.

What if UK law changes after I purchase?

You receive free lifetime updates — no subscription required, no monthly fees, ever.

We monitor UK law changes and update templates accordingly. When we release an updated version, it appears free in your My Templates page. No extra charges. No recurring fees.

Is this really £10 one-time, or will I be charged monthly?

£10 one-time. That's it. No subscriptions, no recurring fees, no "free trial" traps.

Here's what we don't do: Other sites advertise "free templates" — you spend 15 minutes filling one in, then they demand your card for a "free trial" that charges £35–£42/month when you forget to cancel. Worse, many are US-based and won't hold up under UK law. (Read about the scam)

We're different: £10 upfront for the document you actually need. Build it, preview it, pay only when you're happy. Own it forever with free lifetime updates. Based on UK law. No subscription fatigue.

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