Can I Amend My Will Without a Solicitor?

Having a will ensures that your wishes are fulfilled and carried out after your passing, making it one of the most key legal documents you will create. Although your will may already be written, circumstances can change, and you may need to amend it. 

Before amending your will, whether that’s using a solicitor or without, you must understand the options available and the potential risks that are involved. 

Ways To Amend Your Will

There are two main ways to amend your will, however they are different based on the degree of the changes you want to make.  

One way to amend your will is by creating a codicil. This is a separate document, which allows you to make amendments to your will without completely replacing it. If you want to make minor changes, creating a codicil is the easiest route to go down.  

A different way to amend your will is by simply creating a completely new one. Creating a new will is only necessary if you are making serious adjustments, which provides greater clarity and legal security. If you do create a new one, it is often recommended to revoke your old will. 

Can You Amend Your Will Without a Solicitor?

You can amend your will without a solicitor, however, whilst this approach has its benefits, it also carries risks which you must be aware of before committing to this approach. 

Benefits of Not Using a Solicitor to Amend Your Will

For some, making changes to a will without involving a solicitor can offer a few practical advantages. One of these advantages is cost. Through handling amendments yourself, you can potentially save on solicitor fees that come with professional drafting and review.  

Making your own adjustments allows you to work at your own pace without needing to schedule appointments or wait for availability, making it more convenient. This is particularly helpful if you’re only making minor changes that may not require legal guidance. 

Taking the approach to not use a solicitor also gives you full control over how your will is structured and worded, which can be reassuring for those who want their wishes reflected exactly as intended. 

Cons of Not Using a Solicitor to Amend Your Will

One risk of not using a solicitor to make amends is that a will requires you to comply with various strict legal requirements for it to be valid. If these requirements or formalities are not met, changes that have been made may be deemed as invalid and can create further complications.  

Attempting to amend your will yourself with no help can also lead to mistakes or inconsistent wording that would cause disorientation when the will is executed. Getting a solicitor would ensure there are no errors in your will, now and when the will is executed. 

Whilst not using a solicitor may lower the upfront costs, it may jeopardise you in the long run. This is because errors in the will could result in potential legal disputes in the future, then lead to spending more money on other legal measures. Using a solicitor can ensure full legal accuracy, saving you potential costs in the long run.  

When Should You Seek a Solicitors Help

Consulting a solicitor can reduce the risks, ensure full legal guidelines are followed and provide clarity. If you want to reduce the risk of legal disputes, need advice on what to do if you want significant changes to your will, or have queries about inheritance tax complications, you should seek a solicitor’s help. 

If you want to use a solicitor to amend your will, our services at Caversham Solicitor’s offer expert legal guidance on any disputes you may have. Contact us today to get in touch with our team.