The average cost to make an amendment to your will (known as a codicil) is £30-£70. If you have major changes to make, a new will can cost from £125- £260 in the UK according to IRN Legal Reports.
A new will can be free, but you must consider your requirements. Free services usually often only apply to very basic wills. You can also write a will yourself, although DIY wills are generally not recommended.
Making a change to your will is a necessary process for many people. Adding family members, changing address and marriage are just a few reasons people update their will.
Amendments can be made for a relatively low fee, whereas a new will is likely to cost more. Prices will depend on whether you use a will writer or solicitor, the value of your estate and the changes you want made. The type and complexity of the will is also a factor.
Below we look at when you would need to change your will, how to change a will and how much it costs.
How Much Does it Cost to Amend a Will in the UK?
Updating a will can be done in one of two ways: Adding a codicil or writing a new will. Depending on how significant the change is will determine which option is best for you.
Adding a Codicil
The average cost of a codicil for a will is around £30 - £70 according to Remember a Charity. A codicil is an official alteration to an existing will. It is the only way a will can be amended without a new will being required. It is usually used for straightforward changes.
There is no limit on how many codicils you can add to a will but you must sign a codicil and get it witnessed in the same way you would a will.
Below we look at the process of adding a codicil to an existing will:
You must confirm it is a codicil to an existing will
Including the date of the current will to the codicil
Your full name and current full-time address
A statement confirming you are of sound mind
A list of what is being changed - including any changes to beneficiaries
A statement stating the codicil only overrides the part of the will affected
Sign and have an unbiased witness co-sign. An unbiased witness must not be someone named in the will or who will benefit in any way from the contents of the will. Typically they cannot be a family member.
The Government website states that you cannot amend your will after it has been signed and witnessed. It can only be changed with a valid codicil.
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Writing a New Will
Writing a new will is much like writing a will for the first time, but there are a few things to be aware of. You must ensure the new will clearly states that all older wills and any codicils are revoked. Additionally, all previous wills and any copies must be destroyed.
Those with international assets and who have a corresponding will need to make sure their new will does not invalidate this. If you are unsure you should seek professional legal advice.
Cost to Rewrite Your Will
In the case of rewriting your will, you need to have an entirely new will created to replace your existing one. The cost of writing a will is around £500 on average according to Which. The cost will depend on the type of will and the complexity and value of the estate.
Below is a table of average will writing costs:
| Service | Cost* |
|---|---|
Basic online service | Free |
Single Will | From £125 - £260 |
Joint Will or Mirror Will | From £200 - £400 |
Complex and Trust Wills | From £378 |
*Cost data are taken from a report by IRN Legal Reports
Will Writers vs Solicitors
Will writers usually charge less than solicitors. This is because they do not have the same qualifications or regulation requirements. Will writers can provide basic and simple wills. If your will is more complicated it is recommended that you pay more and hire a solicitor. They offer higher levels of indemnity if something is wrong with the will. This essentially means you will have more security and protection against financial loss.
Other factors that can influence the cost include:
Your location - costs will be higher in cities like London
If there are business interests to consider
If you have any international assets such as overseas property
If you need the will writing to be completed quickly
If there are complications such as family conflict
How Much Does It Cost to Change an Executor on a Will?
As with any change to a will, an executor can be removed or changed by adding a codicil (from £30 - £70).
There are a few reasons why someone may change the executor of the will including:
The person is critically ill or has died
The named executor does not wish to take on the role
The person is no longer on good terms with the testator or is considered irresponsible
Executors are not legally obliged to carry out the role if they don't want to. Removing them from your will with a codicil is far easier than the process of removing an executor during probate (once the will writer has died). During probate, the executor would need to sign a deed of renunciation giving up their role.
When you change your will, it is advised that you tell the person you have named as executor and let them know where the will and the additional codicils are kept.
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When Should You Change Your Will?
When you have an existing will, there may be events and circumstances in your life that mean you will want to make changes. This ensures your will reflects your final wishes. Many of these will be linked to your financial affairs, although this isn’t always the case. To avoid issues read more on what you should never put in your will.
There is a difference between changing an existing will with a codicil and entirely rewriting your will. A will would need to be rewritten for any major changes. A rewrite is likely to cost significantly more than making updates and small changes.
The most common reasons people change their will include:
Moving House
You may need to change the address stated in your will if you move house. This can be done with a codicil. If you now own a more valuable property, this may need to be included in the will. Depending on its value and how you want this distributed after your passing, you may want to consider rewriting your will.
Marriage
In England and Wales, you will need to rewrite your will when you get married. Existing wills are automatically revoked and are no longer valid. If you do not make a new will, the law of intestacy will decide how your estate is distributed after your death. Rules of intestacy can be changed through a deed of variation.
Many people change their will when they get married to include their new spouse among the beneficiaries. They may also want to include any stepchildren. You may want to include your married name on the document if you have taken your spouse’s surname.
Divorce
When a couple separates and legally divorces, it is common that wills are updated to remove their former spouse. Divorce typically means changes in your financial circumstances and your will must reflect this. Name changes, change of address and other admin factors will also need to be updated.
Birth or Adoption of a Child
Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are another reason for amending a will. If you want them to be beneficiaries, they will need to be added. You should make it clear what they will inherit.
If Someone Named in Your Will Has Died
In the event of the death of a beneficiary, the will should be updated to determine who will now acquire the assets and any inheritance. This also applies if your named executor has died. In most cases, you can appoint another family member or someone you trust to be the executor. Alternatively you can state that you want a solicitor to act as executor.
Adding Property or Valuable Items
If you have acquired significantly valuable possessions, your will should be updated to reflect this. Be it property, art, antiques or financial assets, it’s important to have these documented. It should be updated to state who will inherit these newly acquired assets.
A Change in Your Financial Circumstances
For example, if you get a significant promotion at work. Other instances include inheriting money through a relative or winning money such as through the lottery.
If You Want to Change Your Funeral Wishes
Your will can also contain your wishes regarding funeral arrangements. This includes what you want to happen to your body. If your wishes around this change you will need to update your will. Instances where this would apply include changes in religion or spiritual outlook.
If You Want to Ensure a Pet is Looked After Following your Death
As a cherished member of the family, your will should be updated to ensure they are looked after in accordance with your wishes and can include funds to achieve this.
The UK Government website recommends that individuals review their will every 5 years.
Free Wills
There are numerous online services which offer free will writing. Be aware these are usually basic and will not be suitable for estates of high value. Much like DIY wills, you must be sure the correct procedure is followed so your will is valid.
During Free Wills Month in the UK, updates can be made to a simple will by a solicitor without charge. Free Will Month takes place in March and October. The campaign encourages individuals over the age of 55 to make a will or to update it, often to include a gift to charity. This is only for basic and simple wills. Complications or detailed wills will likely incur charges.
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Finding a Will Writer
It is highly recommended that you use an expert will writer when creating your will. You should ensure they are experienced, well-reviewed and upfront about the cost of writing a will.
At Compare My Move, we can match you with up to 6 verified and professional will writers on our partner network. They can provide expert advice and guide you through the will writing process.
Simply fill out our quick and easy form to compare will writing quotes in your area.
You can be safe in the knowledge that our network of trusted and licenced will writers are regulated by either:
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)
Law Society of Scotland (LSS)
Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI)
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX)
The Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW)
Institute of Professional Will Writers (IPW)
The Society of Will Writers (SWW)
