How proper amendment protects your will
Small changes kept formal
A codicil can record a limited amendment without rewriting everything.
Clarity before convenience
We help you judge when a new will is safer than adding more layers of change.
Correct execution explained
Signing, witnessing and storage are covered so the amendment can be relied on later.
When a codicil may be the right route
A codicil is a formal document used to change part of an existing will while leaving the rest in place. It can suit a clearly defined amendment, such as replacing an executor or adjusting a specific gift, where the original document is otherwise still sound. The key is that the change must fit cleanly with the will that already exists. With Virgo Wills and Estate Planning Limited, you can review the original wording first and decide whether a limited amendment will preserve clarity or create new room for confusion.
Knowing when a new will is clearer
Not every change belongs in a codicil. If you need several amendments, or if one change affects other parts of the will, a replacement document is often easier for executors to follow. We also explain the same signing and witnessing formalities that apply to a will and why the codicil must be kept with the original document. By bringing the draft changes to Virgo Wills and Estate Planning Limited, you avoid informal handwritten alterations that can cast doubt on validity or interpretation later.
Frequently asked questions
What is a codicil?
A codicil is a formal add-on to an existing will. It changes a specific part of the document while leaving the rest in place. It must be prepared clearly and signed and witnessed correctly, just like a will, if it is to work as intended.
When is a new will better than a codicil?
A new will is often better where there are several changes, where one amendment affects other clauses or where the original wording is already outdated. In those situations, one clean document can be easier for executors to interpret than a will plus later changes.
Can I alter my will by hand?
Informal handwritten alterations are risky because they can cast doubt on what was intended and whether the document still meets the legal formalities. A properly prepared codicil or replacement will is a much safer way to record changes you want others to rely on later.