Originally published: 5 April 2019 | Last updated: 4 December 2025
TL;DR: A codicil functions as a separate document which joins to Your existing Will to show which particular section of your Will needs updating. The use of codicils helped people who wrote their Wills by hand or used typewriters because they could avoid the need to create a new document. The modern era of computers and online Will services has made codicils any longer. These documents need to follow the same signing and witnessing process which applies to complete Wills but they generate confusion which allows people to challenge Wills more easily. The better approach is to simply write a new Will, especially with an online service like LegalWills.co.uk where updates are instant and free.
What Is a Codicil to a Will?
A codicil functions as an extra document which connects to Your existing Will. The document refers to the initial Will while it specifies a modification to one particular section. The attached Will requires a codicil which states that the Executor name in clause IV should change from Jane Green to Robert Brown.
The codicil served as a tool which allowed people to avoid the lengthy process of creating an entirely new document. However, estate planning today does not use codicils because this article explains what makes them unsuitable for current estate planning practices.
How Do You Write a Codicil?
A codicil can be handwritten or typed. It must:
State clearly that it is a codicil to your existing Will
Reference the original Will by date
Describe the clause being changed and explain the changes
The document needs your signature while two independent witnesses watch you sign it.
Your two witnesses must sign the document while you watch them do it.
The main problem arises because codicils need people to follow the exact same signing and witnessing procedures which apply to creating a new Will. The Wills Act 1837 requires you to find two witnesses who will watch you sign the document before they should witness the document for proper recognition. The document becomes invalid together with its proposed modifications when people fail to follow proper formal procedures.
Why Are Codicils No Longer Necessary?
People used to make sense of codicils because they created Wills through handwriting and typewriting methods. People needed to copy entire legal documents by hand because these documents spanned multiple pages. The world of computers and printers has eliminated this reason which used to exist.
What Problems Do Codicils Create?
Same formalities, no time saving: the codicil still needs to be signed and witnessed, which is the most inconvenient part of updating a Will
Multiple codicils which attach to your Will will create a confusing document that your Executor will find difficult to understand.
Multiple amendments in a Will document make it more likely for someone to challenge it through legal means.
The Will document faces a risk of getting lost because a codicil document can separate from the Will document which prevents your Executor from seeing the changes.
No cost saving with solicitors: most solicitors will review the entire Will before preparing a codicil, resulting in charges similar to writing a new Will (potentially £400 or more)
What Should You Do Instead of Writing a Codicil?
Write a new Will. A new Will automatically revokes all previous Wills and codicils, giving you a clean, unambiguous document. The current technology allows people to create a codicil faster and through simpler methods than before.
How Does LegalWills.co.uk Make Updates Easy?
LegalWills.co.uk users who created their Wills through this platform do not need to understand the concept of codicils. Here is how updates work:
You can access your account whenever you want to access it.
Go to the section which needs your attention for modification.
You can make modifications to your Will by adding new Executors and beneficiaries and changing your existing bequests.
You need to click on the button which creates your modified Will document.
Print the new document and then sign it before getting someone to witness your signature.
You should destroy the previous version after completing this process.
The entire process takes minutes, not hours. You will not face any additional costs while your account remains active. You can apply the same procedure to modify your Executor or include charity donations or update guardian information or change how your estate gets distributed.
When Might People Think They Need a Codicil?
People tend to choose codicils during specific situations but they should create a new Will instead because it provides better results:
Situation
Why a New Will Is Better
Changing your Executor
A new Will cleanly names the new Executor with no reference to the old one
Adding a charitable bequest
The document incorporates the charitable gift into the general distribution system through proper attachment methods.
Removing a beneficiary after divorce
A new Will ensures all references to the ex-spouse are properly addressed
Adding a newborn child
The document establishes complete processes for guardian selection and inheritance distribution which operate as a single unified system.
Updating funeral wishes
Keeps all instructions in one document for your Executor
How Much Does It Cost to Update a Will?
Method
Cost to Update
Solicitor (codicil)
£50. £200+
Solicitor (new Will)
£150. £600+
LegalWills.co.uk
£0 (included with active account)
Learn more about how much it costs to write a Will and how to update your Will.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a codicil legally valid?
Yes, a properly executed codicil is legally valid in England and Wales. The document requires the same signing and witnessing process which applies to a Will. The document stands valid but it does not mean that people should use it. A new Will is always the better choice.
How many codicils can you add to a Will?
The law does not set any restrictions on this process but each additional codicil creates new possibilities for misunderstandings and conflicting statements which courts might need to resolve. Multiple changes need you to create a new Will document.
Can I handwrite a codicil?
Yes, but it must still be signed and witnessed by two independent witnesses. A handwritten codicil becomes easier to challenge because people struggle to read handwriting and it becomes difficult to identify unclear terms.
Does a codicil revoke the original Will?
No. A codicil amends specific clauses of the original Will. The rest of the Will remains in force. A new Will, by contrast, typically revokes all previous Wills and codicils entirely, creating a clean document.
He has over 20 years of experience helping people to write their Will and other estate planning documents. He has been interviewed by many of the major news media outlets and has contributed to articles in most leading publications. He has also contributed to a number of financial planning books.
Throughout his career, Tim has written extensively on the subject of Will writing and estate planning.
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