Codicil: Amend Your Will Without Rewriting It

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Quick answer: A codicil is a short legal document that amends an existing will without rewriting it — ideal for small changes like adding a gift, changing an executor, or including a new grandchild. It must be signed and witnessed in the same way as a will (by two independent witnesses).

For minor updates a codicil is quicker and cheaper than a new will — but for major changes, a fresh will is usually safer. And if you only want to leave guidance — funeral wishes, who should have sentimental items — a letter of wishes alongside the will may be the better tool.

What is a codicil?

A supplement to your existing will that adds to, varies or revokes specific provisions, while leaving the rest of the will in force. It refers to the original will by date and is read together with it.

Who needs it & when

Anyone making a small, clear change — a new beneficiary or gift, a different or additional executor, or updating after a birth. For big or multiple changes, make a new will instead. (After a death it is too late for a codicil — but beneficiaries can still redirect an inheritance with a deed of variation.)

Deadlines & key rules

It must be signed by you and witnessed by two independent witnesses (who are not beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries), present together.
It should identify the original will by date and state exactly what is changed.
Keep the codicil with the will; don’t physically alter the original will.
Marriage or divorce can affect a will — consider whether a new will is needed.

How to do it — step by step

Identify the will (by date) and the precise change you want.
Draft the codicil setting out the variation and confirming the rest of the will.
Sign it in the presence of two independent witnesses, who then sign.
Store it safely with the original will.

How Chris helps

Tell Chris your will’s date and the change you want and Chris drafts your codicil to a high standard — you check, sign and have it witnessed. Not a law firm.

See it done — a codicil, drafted in minutes

A codicil amending a will, drafted to a high standard — Chris builds it from your instructions in minutes. Scroll the sample below.

DRAFTED BY CHRIS · sampleSCROLL ↓

FIRST CODICIL to the WILL of MARGARET HUGHES

I, Margaret Hughes, of 12 Rowan Close, York YO1 7AA, declare this to be the first codicil to my will dated 4 June 2021.

1. I revoke the gift of £2,000 to my nephew Paul Hughes in clause 4 of my will.

2. I give the sum of £3,000 to my granddaughter Emily Hughes.

3. I appoint my daughter Claire Hughes of 8 Ash Lane, York, to be an additional executor and trustee of my will.

In all other respects I confirm my will dated 4 June 2021.

Signed by the testator in our joint presence and then by us in hers:

Testator: …………………… Date: ……………………

Witness 1: name / address / signature

Witness 2: name / address / signature

Illustrative sample with fictional names and details. Chris drafts yours from your own wishes; you check, sign and have it witnessed as required.

Draft my document →

Last reviewed: June 2026 · England & Wales · CIC No. 16566612 — not a law firm.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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