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Codicils
Change your existing Will for a fixed £65, without writing a new one.
A Codicil is a short legal document that amends your existing Will. 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 arrangement. I prepare every Codicil personally, and I send it within 7 days of receiving everything I need from you.
No obligation. Your fee is agreed and fixed before you commit to anything.
How much does a Codicil cost?
Single Codicil
£65
One Codicil to amend your Will.
Included in the service: –
- A consultation at your home, or by telephone or video call
- A review of your existing Will, so the new wording works properly with what you already have
- Your Codicil ready within 7 days of my receiving everything I need from you.
Codicils for a Couple
£130 for both
A Codicil for each of you, where you are both making the same change.
Included in the service: –
- A consultation at your home, or by telephone or video call
- A review of your existing Will, so the new wording works properly with what you already have
- Your Codicil ready within 7 days of my receiving everything I need from you.
See why clients trust Wise Owl Wills
Read what clients say about the clear advice, personal service and reassurance they received when putting their plans in place.
Excellent
Trustpilot
about 12 days ago
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills
We asked Stephen at Wise Owl Wills to prepare our mirror Wills and a letter of wishes. He listened carefully to what we wanted, explained our options clearly and helped us put our wishes into words. Stephen explained how the Wills would provide for each other and our family, and how the letter of wishes could offer additional guidance alongside them. We appreciated having time to ask questions and discuss the details. The personal service made the whole process straightforward and reassuring. We would recommend Wise Owl Wills to couples looking for professionally drafted Wills and thoughtful, practical guidance.
about 1 month ago
A great mirror will service
Me and my partner used Wise Owl Wills for our mirror Wills and a Lasting Power of Attorney. Stephen explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and never made us feel rushed or pressured. The price was agreed beforehand, so we knew exactly what we were paying. Everything was sorted quickly and professionally, and we now feel much happier knowing our affairs are in order. I would definitely recommend Wise Owl Wills to anyone in Denton or Greater Manchester.
about 1 month ago
An excellent personal service could…
An excellent personal service could recommend enough
about 1 month ago
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills prepared both…
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills prepared both my Will and Lasting power of attorney making whole process straightforward easy to understand explaining options clearly and answered questions ensured documents reflected my wishes. He was professional throughout thorough and reassuring. I now have peace of mind knowing that my family provided for and that right people can make appropriate decisions for me if needed. I would highly recommend Wise Owl Wills.
about 1 month ago
Wise Owls wills great help
We found the writing of the will very helpful and was given advice on how to put in our wishes.Found the whole experience stress free and would recommend them to our friends.
about 1 month ago
Easy communication
Easy communication, professionally written wills covering all of the technical issues necessary. Pleased with the price and the result.
When to amend your Will with a Codicil
A Codicil is usually the right choice if you want to:
- change or update the executors you previously appointed
- add a new beneficiary, while keeping the rest of your Will exactly as it is
- remove a beneficiary you no longer wish to provide for
- adjust the size of a gift 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 several Codicils. I will always give you an honest recommendation on which route makes sense for you, rather than defaulting to whichever is more expensive.
How to update your Will in three simple steps
1. Tell me what you need
Call me or send a message through my contact page, and I will arrange a convenient, no-obligation consultation.
2. Talk through your choices
We look at your existing Will together, at your home, by telephone or by video call, and confirm exactly what needs to change.
3. Your Codicil is personally prepared
I send your documents within 7 days of receiving everything that I need from you.
Home visits across Greater Manchester
Who will prepare your Codicil
Wise Owl Wills was founded by Stephen Rhodes, who was called to the Bar in 1999 and has 27 years of legal experience. Having drafted Wills and dealt with disputes arising from poorly prepared or unclear Wills, Stephen understands both how these important documents should be prepared and what can go wrong when someone’s wishes are not expressed properly. You deal directly with Stephen throughout, from your first conversation to the completion of your documents.
Codicils: frequently asked questions
Does a Codicil need to be kept with my original Will?
Yes. A Codicil is only effective when it is read together with the Will it amends, so the two documents should always be stored together.
Can I just write the changes on my Will myself?
No. A change written onto a Will after it has been signed is not valid unless it is signed and witnessed in the same way as the Will itself. Crossing words out or adding notes can also cast doubt on what the Will means, which is exactly what a Codicil is designed to avoid.
Is a Codicil signed and witnessed like a Will?
Yes. You sign it in the presence of two witnesses who are both there at the same time, and they then sign it too. As with a Will, a witness, or a witness’s husband, wife or civil partner, should not be someone who benefits.
I have married since making my Will. Can I use a Codicil?
Usually not. Getting married or entering a civil partnership normally cancels an existing Will altogether, so there is nothing left for a Codicil to amend. In that situation you need a new Will
Can you prepare my Codicil more quickly?
Yes. An express service is available if your changes are time sensitive. Mention it when you get in touch and I will tell you what is possible.
Want to read more first?
My guide, When should I update my Will?, explains in more depth when a Codicil is the right option and when a new Will is better.
Ready to change your Will?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation or call me today. If a new Will would serve you better than a Codicil, I will tell you. Your fixed fee is agreed before you commit to anything.
TrustpilotNo obligation. Tell me what you need and I will explain the suitable options and costs before you decide. All information you provide is treated confidentially, and I aim to respond within one working day.