Codicils
A Codicil is a document that makes amendments to an existing Will, so that a new Will does not need to be written. It is signed and witnessed in the same way as a Will, and is read alongside your original Will as part of the same legal document.
Who a Codicil is right for
A Codicil is usually the right choice if you recognise your situation in one of the following:
- You want to change or update the executors you previously appointed.
- You want to add a new beneficiary, while keeping the rest of your Will exactly as it is.
- You want to remove a beneficiary you no longer wish to provide for.
- You want to adjust the size of a bequest you have already made, without cancelling it altogether.
A Codicil works best for small, specific changes like these. If you are thinking about several changes at once, or your circumstances have changed significantly since your Will was made, it is often simpler and safer to write a new Will rather than add multiple Codicils. We will always give you an honest recommendation on which route makes sense for you, rather than defaulting to whichever is more expensive.
What is included
A Codicil is prepared following a one-to-one consultation with you along with consideration of your existing Will. The consultation can be at your home, or by telephone or video call.
We will look at your existing Will together, confirm exactly what needs to change, and make sure the new wording works properly alongside what you already have in place.
Your completed Codicil is delivered within 7 days of us receiving full instructions from you. An express service is also available if your changes are time sensitive.
How much does a Codicil cost?
A single Codicil costs £65.
A pair of Codicils for couples costs £130.
Both prices are fixed, with no hidden costs once your consultation has taken place.
Does a Codicil need to be kept with my original Will?
Yes. A Codicil is only valid when it is read together with the Will it amends, so the two documents should always be stored together. If we hold your original Will for you, we will attach your Codicil to it and keep both safe as one document.
Learn more
If you would like a fuller explanation of what a Codicil is and when one is the right option, our guide When should I update my Will? covers this in more depth.
How to get started
Booking a Basic Will with Wise Owl Wills takes three simple steps:
Make contact by telephone or use our online form.
Talk through your needs and confirm your wishes.
Receive your completed Will within 7 days
Book your free consultation or call us on 0161 524 1033 to get started.
