How Much Does it Cost to Change Your Will UK?

How Much Does It Cost to Rewrite Your Will?

Individuals often wonder about the cost implications when minor amendments don't suffice and a new will is required. If a codicil (a document used for minor updates to your will) is insufficient for your needs, you may find yourself in a position where rewriting your will is the only option. The cost associated with this task varies significantly based on the method you choose for creating your will.

For those considering online solutions, some services offer the creation of simple wills at no cost. This can be an appealing option for individuals with straightforward assets and wishes.

However, employing a will writer or utilising a banking service might be more appropriate for a more tailored approach, with prices starting at approximately £119 for a basic will.

Seeking the expertise of a solicitor is another popular route, with fees beginning at around £200. This price can increase depending on the complexity of your will and the specific details you wish to include. Solicitors are particularly valuable for more complex estates or when your will needs to address particular circumstances.

The costs can escalate significantly in scenarios where your estate planning involves intricate details, such as setting up trusts or catering to complex familial situations. Individuals should anticipate expenses in the region of £500 or more for these more complicated wills. This higher cost reflects the additional time and expertise required to ensure your will accurately captures your intentions and is legally sound.

Before Updating Your Will in the UK

Before proceeding with any alterations to your will, it's essential to thoroughly review your current document and identify the specific updates you wish to make.

Not every change in your life circumstances necessitates a revision of your will.

When you determine that adjustments to your will are necessary, it's crucial to follow formal procedures for amendment.

Direct modifications to the original document, such as handwriting changes, using correction fluid, or crossing out sections, are not legally valid in England & Wales.

To legally alter your will, you have two primary options:

• Creating a New Will: This approach completely replaces the old version, ensuring all changes are seamlessly integrated without confusion.
• Drafting a Codicil: A codicil is an official amendment that supplements your existing will, specifying any changes, additions, or revocations. Although it operates with your original will, it must be signed and witnessed with the same formalities. Codicils require careful drafting to avoid misinterpretation, as they need to be clearly linked to the original will's provisions.

It's also essential to evaluate the visibility of changes after your passing, especially if your estate goes through probate, making the contents of your will and any codicils public. If privacy is a concern, particularly when altering beneficiaries or their inheritances, opting for a new will might be the best choice.

Given the sophistication and potential for misinterpretation with codicils, alongside the public record aspect during probate, many opt for drafting a new will. Although this might be more pricey than adding a codicil, its clarity and confidentiality can be invaluable in ensuring your final wishes are understood and executed as intended.

When Does Your Will Need to be Changed?

When contemplating the question, "How much does it cost to change your will in the UK?" it's equally important to determine if changes are required. Let's explore everyday situations that prompt a review of your will and whether they require formal amendments.

Address Changes of a Beneficiary

An outdated beneficiary address doesn't nullify your will. The key is whether your executor can still reach the beneficiary. If there's doubt, attaching a current address note to your will can be a simple solution without needing a formal update.

Introducing New Gifts

To legally enforce new gifts not previously mentioned in your will, a formal update is essential. These additions must be clearly documented within your will to ensure they're carried out as intended.

Adding New Relatives as Beneficiaries

Review your will to see if it already accounts for new relatives, such as grandchildren, under a general provision. If your will includes gifts to a group (e.g., "all my grandchildren"), newly born grandchildren are automatically covered. However, if specific names are listed, adding a new grandchild requires amending your will.

New Marriage or Civil Partnership

Entering into a marriage or civil partnership automatically revokes your existing will unless it explicitly states otherwise. Without such a clause, you'll need to draft a new will to reflect your new marital status.

Birth of Children

The arrival of new children or grandchildren may prompt a need to update your will. If your current document doesn't specifically mention future descendants or if you wish to include specific provisions, creating a new will or amendment is necessary.

Changes in Financial Circumstances

Significant changes in your financial situation, such as acquiring substantial assets or incurring new liabilities, might necessitate a will review. Ensuring your will accurately reflects your current financial landscape can prevent confusion and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

What is a codicil to a Will?

A codicil is a supplementary document that is legally recognised to make modifications to an existing will. This document must undergo the same formal signing and witnessing as the original to be considered valid.

The flexibility of a codicil allows for any scale of amendments, ranging from minor adjustments to extensive alterations of various sections within your will. However, reserving codicils for minimal changes is recommended to avoid potential complications during the execution of your will after your passing.

To ensure its validity, a codicil must be executed with the same legal formalities as the will itself. However, the witnesses need not be the same individuals who witnessed the original document. It's crucial to avoid selecting witnesses who, or whose spouse or civil partner, stand to gain from the codicil, as this could invalidate the provision in their favour.

When considering the cost implications of updating your will in the UK, employing a codicil through a will-writing service or solicitor often presents a more cost-effective alternative to drafting an entirely new will. It's essential to store the codicil alongside the original will, as misplaced codicils can lead to disputes and confusion regarding the will's intentions.



For those contemplating multiple or significant changes to their will, drafting a new document is generally advisable to ensure clarity and coherence in expressing your final wishes. This approach helps to clarify "How Much Does it Cost to Change Your Will in the UK?" by providing a structured option for either minor adjustments through a codicil or more substantial revisions by creating a new will.

It's important to regularly update your will to reflect modifications in your life, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Clarity and specificity about your inheritors are vital in preventing misunderstandings. Also, don't overlook the importance of nominating an executor and guardian, especially if you have minor children. Consider the implications of inheritance tax, and include clear directions for your digital assets. Lastly, properly signing and witnessing your will are essential to confirm its validity.

At The Norwich Will Writing Co. we understand the nuances and sophistication of will writing. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised and legally sound advice. Whether you're in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Nottingham, Derby, or elsewhere in England and Wales, our comprehensive services are just a call or video chat away. 

For home visits in the above specified regions or consultations via phone or video call across England and Wales, reach out to us at 01603 512246 or use our contact form.

Trust us to guide you through this critical process, ensuring your peace of mind and the secure future of your loved ones.

If you found this article helpful, why not check out When and How Often Should I Renew My Will? or How Much Does a Will Cost in the UK?