Article Guide • Health & Welfare LPA
Do I Need a Health and Welfare LPA?
Many people assume their family would automatically be able to make health or care decisions for them.
In reality, being listened to is not always the same as having legal authority. This guide explains what a Health and Welfare LPA does, why it can matter at different stages of life, and when it may be worth putting one in place.
Reading time: 8–10 minutes
Codicils & Will Amendments
Make a straightforward change to your existing Will
Where your Will is still right overall but one particular part needs changing, a codicil may allow the amendment to be made without replacing the whole Will.
Codicil Service — £95 for one straightforward amendment, where a codicil is appropriate following review.
What is a codicil?
A codicil is a separate legal document that changes part of an existing Will.
It is read alongside the original Will and can be used to add, remove or amend particular provisions while leaving the remainder of the Will in place.
This can provide a straightforward way of making a limited change without replacing the whole Will.
Like a Will, a codicil must be signed and witnessed correctly before it takes effect.
What can a codicil change?
A codicil may be suitable where one particular part of a Will needs changing but the rest of the document continues to reflect your wishes.
Depending on the existing Will and the amendment required, this might include changing an executor or adding, removing or changing a particular gift.
It may also be possible to add or remove a beneficiary or update another specific provision within the Will.
Codicils are generally most useful where the amendment is straightforward and limited.
When is a new Will better?
A codicil is useful in the right circumstances, but it is not always the clearest way to make a change.
If several parts of the Will need changing, or the amendment would make the existing arrangements difficult to understand, preparing a new Will may be more appropriate.
Elephant Legal will explain if the change would be better dealt with through a replacement Will before any drafting takes place.
The aim is to make sure your wishes remain clear, workable and properly recorded.
Will amendments
Codicil Service
Where your existing Will is still right overall but one straightforward amendment is needed, a codicil may allow the change to be made without replacing the whole Will.
One straightforward amendment
Codicil Service — £95
For one straightforward amendment to an existing Will, where a codicil is appropriate following review.
Once it has been established that a codicil is the appropriate way to make the change, Elephant Legal will prepare the document so that it works alongside your existing Will.
The service includes
- Confirming the amendment to be made
- Preparing the codicil
- Clear signing and witnessing instructions
- Guidance on keeping the codicil safely with the original Will
What if more than one change is needed?
The £95 service is for one straightforward amendment. If several changes are required, or the existing Will would be clearer if replaced, a new Will may be more appropriate.
If that is the case, this will be explained before any drafting takes place.
Book an appointment
Ready to discuss the amendment?
The booking form is available at the bottom of this page. You can use it to arrange an appointment to discuss an amendment to an existing Will.
Go to the booking formA codicil forms part of your existing Will and must be signed and witnessed correctly. It should be kept safely with the original Will once completed.
Clear guidance before drafting
Ready to make a change to your Will?
If your Will has already been reviewed and one straightforward amendment is needed, Elephant Legal can prepare a codicil where this is the appropriate way to make the change. If you are unsure whether your amendment falls within the £95 Codicil Service, you are welcome to get in touch before proceeding.
Common questions
Codicils explained
Clear answers to some of the questions people commonly ask when making a straightforward amendment to an existing Will.
Does a codicil replace my existing Will?
No. A codicil is a separate document that is read alongside your existing Will.
It changes a particular part of the Will while leaving the remaining provisions in place.
Can I make more than one change using a codicil?
A codicil can sometimes deal with more than one change, but the Elephant Legal Codicil Service is designed for one straightforward amendment.
If several parts of your Will need changing, preparing a new Will may provide a clearer and more appropriate solution.
Can I change an executor using a codicil?
Yes. Changing an executor is one example of the type of limited amendment that may be suitable for a codicil.
The existing Will and the change required will still need to be considered before the codicil is prepared.
Can I change a gift or beneficiary?
A codicil may be suitable for changing, adding or removing a particular gift or beneficiary where the amendment is straightforward and the rest of the Will remains suitable.
Why might a new Will be better than a codicil?
A codicil works best where the change is limited and the existing Will remains clear.
If several amendments are needed, circumstances have changed significantly, or the Will would become harder to understand when read together with a codicil, preparing a replacement Will may be clearer.
If that is the better route, this will be explained before any drafting takes place.
Does a codicil need to be signed and witnessed?
Yes. A codicil must be signed and witnessed correctly before it takes effect.
Elephant Legal provides clear signing and witnessing instructions as part of the Codicil Service.
What happens to the codicil once it has been signed?
The signed codicil should be kept safely with your original Will so that the documents can be read together.
Guidance on keeping the codicil with your existing Will is included as part of the service.
How much does the Codicil Service cost?
The Elephant Legal Codicil Service costs £95.
This covers one straightforward amendment to an existing Will, where a codicil is appropriate following review.
What if I am not sure whether my change is straightforward?
You do not need to decide this yourself.
If you are unsure whether the amendment falls within the £95 Codicil Service, you can contact Elephant Legal before proceeding.
Codicils & Will Amendments
Ready to make the change?
One straightforward amendment to an existing Will for a fixed fee of £95.
Where a codicil is appropriate following review, Elephant Legal can prepare the amendment so that it works clearly alongside your existing Will.
The service includes preparation of the codicil, clear signing and witnessing instructions, and guidance on keeping the completed document safely with your original Will.
Choose a time that suits you
Use the calendar below to book a Will or LPA review, or an appointment to discuss an amendment to an existing Will.
If you are unsure whether the amendment falls within the £95 Codicil Service, you are welcome to get in touch before booking.
Clear explanation, careful preparation and guidance through signing your codicil correctly.
The £95 Codicil Service covers one straightforward amendment to an existing Will where a codicil is appropriate following review. If several changes are required, or a replacement Will would provide a clearer solution, this will be explained before any drafting takes place.