Our unlimited changes option makes it quick and easy to update your Will in the future. Here, we explain how it works and why keeping your Will up to date matters.
Making a Will is an important step, but your Will should not be forgotten once it has been signed.
Life changes. Families grow, relationships change, homes are bought and sold, and your wishes may no longer be the same as they were when your Will was first written.
Reviewing your Will from time to time helps make sure it still reflects your circumstances and the people you want to protect.
It is sensible to review your Will regularly, especially after major life events.
Good reasons to review or update your Will include:
◆ You have a child, grandchild, or another new dependent
◆ You get engaged, married, enter a civil partnership, divorce, or separate
◆ You move home, buy property, sell property, or change how a property is owned
◆ You inherit money, property, or another significant asset
◆ An executor, beneficiary, guardian, or trustee named in your Will dies
◆ You want to change who inherits from your estate
◆ You want to add or remove a specific gift, message, charity, or funeral wish
◆ The law or tax rules affecting your estate have changed
Many people review their Will every few years, even if nothing obvious has changed. A short review can help catch details you may have forgotten about.
Yes, but it must be done properly.
For small changes, you may be able to use a codicil. A codicil is a formal legal document that changes part of an existing Will while leaving the rest in place.
For bigger changes, it is often clearer to make a new Will. The new Will should usually state that it revokes previous Wills and codicils, so there is less risk of confusion later.
The right way to update your Will depends on the size and type of change.
If the change is minor, such as changing an executor or adding a small gift, a codicil may be enough. The codicil must be signed and witnessed correctly.
If the change affects several parts of your Will, changes who inherits a large part of your estate, or could create confusion, making a new Will is usually the cleaner option.
Once your updated Will is ready, it must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who also sign it. The same care should be taken with a codicil.
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If you make a new Will, it should usually revoke your earlier Will. This means the new Will replaces the old one.
It is important to store the new signed Will safely and tell your executors where it can be found. If old versions are left around, they may cause confusion after your death.
Before destroying an old Will, make sure your new Will has been signed and witnessed correctly. If you are unsure, get guidance first.
The cost of updating a Will can depend on how the original Will was prepared and how substantial the changes are.
With a traditional solicitor, a small amendment may be made using a codicil, while larger changes often mean preparing a new Will. Costs can vary, and repeated updates may become expensive over time.
With By The Willow, clients can choose a Will update option for £10 per year. This allows you to make unlimited updates to your online Will when your circumstances or wishes change.
If you made your Will through By The Willow, you can log back into your account and update the relevant sections online.
You can review your executors, beneficiaries, gifts, guardians, funeral wishes, and other key details, then submit the updated Will for checking where required.
Once the updated Will is ready, you will need to print it and sign it again in the presence of two witnesses. Your witnesses must also sign it correctly.
After your new Will has been signed and witnessed, store it safely and make sure your executors know where to find it. To avoid confusion, your previous Will should usually be replaced by the new signed version.
The £10 per year update option is designed for people who want their Will to stay flexible as life changes.
It can be especially useful if:
◆ You get married, enter a civil partnership, divorce, or separate
◆ You become a parent or grandparent
◆ You move home, buy property, or sell property
◆ Your financial situation changes significantly
◆ Someone named as an executor, guardian, or beneficiary dies
◆ You want to add, remove, or change a gift or message
If you already have a Will from a solicitor, online provider, or another service, you may be able to create a new Will with By The Willow if your existing Will no longer reflects your wishes.
Creating a new Will can be clearer than trying to amend an older document, especially if several parts of your estate plan have changed.
Your new Will should make clear that previous Wills and codicils are revoked. Once the new Will has been printed, signed, and witnessed correctly, it can replace your old Will and help avoid confusion for your executors.
If your situation is complex, or if you are unsure whether a new Will is the right option, it is sensible to get guidance before making changes.
An out-of-date Will can create uncertainty for the people left behind. It may name the wrong executors, leave out new family members, or distribute your estate in a way you would no longer choose.
Updating your Will properly gives your loved ones clearer instructions and helps make sure your wishes are followed.
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By The Willow™, a trading name of LCR Group Holdings, provides access to self-service legal forms and information. By The Willow™ is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. It is not a substitute for a qualified attorney’s advice.
