How to change your will to leave a gift

If you want to leave a gift to charity but have already made a will, it's not a problem, there are a couple of simple ways you can change it.

1. A new will

The first and probably simplest way, is to write a new one. Once a new will is written, it makes any wills made by that person in the past void. In fact, most wills will start by reciting that you're making a will and that you're revoking previous wills.

You can make a new will with a Will writing professional.

Go to the 5 things to consider when making a will section for help and the Find a charity section to find the charity's registered name and charity number.

However, if you do not want to do this, there is another way. It's called a Codicil.

2. Codicils

A codicil is a document used to change a will that has already been made.

It's used as a way to make simple additions or amendments to an existing will like a change in the amount of a gift of money; or the addition of an executer or gift. This is all quite straight forward but problems can occur if you ever want to cancel the will in the future.

When you cancel a will with a codicil, the codicil does not get cancelled automatically, so when you make a new will it can create inconsistencies and legal problems.

If you choose to use a codicil be very careful that next time if you make a new will, it clearly states that you are revoking all wills and codicils previously made.

You can also make a codicil with a Will writing professional.