When should I use a codicil rather than making a new will?

A codicil is appropriate for minor amendments such as changing an executor, adding a small gift, updating an address, or appointing a guardian. If you want to make significant changes to your will — such as changing the main beneficiary, restructuring the estate, or making multiple amendments — it is generally better to make a new will. Multiple codicils can create confusion and increase the risk of conflicting provisions.

Does a codicil need to be witnessed?

Yes. A codicil must be executed with the same formalities as a will under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. This means it must be signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses, and both witnesses must sign in the presence of the testator. The witnesses do not need to be the same people who witnessed the original will.

How many codicils can I make?

There is no legal limit on the number of codicils you can make. However, multiple codicils increase the risk of errors, contradictions, and confusion. As a general rule, if you have made two or more codicils, it is usually better to make a new will that incorporates all the changes. This makes the testator's intentions clearer and reduces the risk of disputes.

Where should I store my codicil?

You should store your codicil with your original will. Both documents must be presented to the Probate Registry when applying for probate. If they are stored separately, there is a risk that the codicil may not be found after your death, and the will would be proved without the amendments. Tell your executors where both documents are kept.

Does making a codicil affect the rest of my will?

No. A codicil only modifies the specific clauses it addresses. All other provisions of the original will continue to apply unchanged. The codicil is read together with the will as a single document. However, making a codicil 'republishes' the will, which means the will is treated as having been made on the date of the codicil for certain legal purposes.

Can a codicil be challenged?

Yes, on the same grounds as a will: lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, lack of knowledge and approval, or failure to comply with section 9 formalities. If a codicil is successfully challenged, it is set aside but the original will (and any valid earlier codicils) remains in force. If the original will is challenged, the codicil falls with it.

Free Codicil Template — Amend Your Will (UK)

A codicil is a legal document that amends, varies, or adds to an existing will without replacing it entirely.

FreePDF & Word

Your data stays on your device — nothing is sent to any server.

Testator Details

Your Full Legal Name (Testator)*

Your Address*

original-will

Date of Original Will*

The date your existing will was signed.

amendment

Description of Amendment(s)*

Briefly describe what you want to change. This is for your reference.

New Clause Text / Amendment Wording*

State the exact wording of the new or amended clauses. Reference the clause numbers in the original will.

Witnesses

Witness 1 — Full Name*

Must be over 18. Must NOT be a beneficiary or the spouse/civil partner of a beneficiary.

Witness 1 — Address*

Witness 2 — Full Name*

Witness 2 — Address*

execution

Date of Codicil*

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CODICIL TO THE WILL of [testatorName] I, [testatorName], of [testatorAddress], declare this to be the first codicil to my will dated [originalWillDate]. 1. AMENDMENTS I make the following amendments to my will dated [originalWillDate]: [newClauseText] 2. CONFIRMATION In all other respects I confirm my said will dated [originalWillDate] and any previous codicils thereto. SIGNED by [testatorName] as a codicil to their will on [date] ___________________________ [testatorName] (Testator) ATTESTATION CLAUSE Signed by the above-named [testatorName] as a codicil to their will in our joint presence and then by us in theirs: Witness 1: Name: [witness1Name] Address: [witness1Address] Signature: ___________________________ Witness 2: Name: [witness2Name] Address: [witness2Address] Signature: ___________________________

Important Notes

Legal Disclaimer

A codicil must be executed with the same formalities as a will under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 (as substituted by section 17 of the Administration of Justice Act 1982). This means it must be in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses who are both present at the same time, and both witnesses must sign in the presence of the testator. Under section 15 of the Wills Act 1837, if a witness (or their spouse/civil partner) is a beneficiary under the will or codicil, the gift to them is void. A codicil does not revoke the original will — it modifies it. Under section 21 of the Wills Act 1837, a codicil is to be read as part of the will. The original will and all codicils must be submitted to the Probate Registry when applying for a grant of probate. Section 18 of the Wills Act 1837 provides that marriage revokes both a will and any codicils, unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage. Making a codicil 'republishes' the will — that is, the will is treated as having been made on the date of the codicil (Re Hardyman [1925]).

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex legal matters, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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