Re-Writing My Will

[sooty&sweep]

Hello, I have a solicitor drafted will.

It's quite a simple one—basically, I want to leave all of my estate split between a few named individuals (siblings and close friends). I have no partner, never married, and no dependents.

Nothing has changed other than I want to introduce another friend to the split of my estate.

I could go the solicitor route however, could I copy the wording of the previous will, update the paragraph about the split of my estate and get it signed off by two witnesses (who are not beneficiaries of course)

Or am I being overly simplistic?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[Pezza54]

Hi
Welcome to LB
It's a minor change to the current will, so you would do better to draft a codicil
The old will would have to be destroyed if you wrote a new one.

There is a codicil template which is free to download at www.redcross.org.uk

You will need to amend the template, or draft your own similar document

The codicil should be stored safely along with the original will

[sooty&sweep]

A codicil would not suffice as I need to also change the % split between the person(s) involved.

If I could go back to my original question - if I already have a solicitor draft will and the only thing I am changing is the division of my estate could I just replicate the wording of the existing will and update the section which denotes who gets my estate and what the split is.

[Pezza54]

Who is holding the original will?
The original will and all copies should be destroyed
The new will should state all previous wills and codicils are revoked
To be valid the will must be signed by the testator in the presence of the 2 witnesses
A witness must not be a beneficiary
The executor should be informed about the new will and told where it is stored

[atticus]

I am always going to advise taking professional assistance in preparing a Will. DIY wills are the source of much litigation, which was never the intention of the person preparing his/her own Will.