A codicil to a will is a legal tool that allows you to make changes to your existing will without rewriting the entire document. For parents, especially those with growing families, changing financial circumstances, or evolving wishes, knowing how to update a will correctly is essential.
Writing or updating a will isn’t just about distributing assets. It’s about ensuring that your children are cared for, your partner is protected, and your wishes are respected. In this blog post, we explore the critical elements of a family-focused will and how to use tools like a codicil to make sure it remains accurate over time.
Why Every Parent Needs a Will
As a parent, having a legally valid will gives you the power to decide:
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Who will care for your children if they are under 18.
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How your estate will be divided among family members.
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Who will manage your estate and act as executor.
Without a will, your estate will be divided according to the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes. Worse still, guardianship decisions may fall to the courts. For peace of mind, it's crucial that your will reflects both your financial plans and family values.
The MoneyHelper website offers a detailed breakdown of what happens if you die without a will—and why getting it sorted is one of the best decisions you can make as a parent.
What Is a Codicil to a Will?
A codicil is a legal document that makes minor amendments to your will without needing to create a completely new one. It might be used to:
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Change executors.
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Update a beneficiary’s name (for example, after marriage).
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Add a new legacy or remove one.
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Modify guardianship arrangements.
While codicils are generally suitable for small updates, they must still meet the same legal requirements as your original will. This means they must be signed and witnessed correctly to be valid.
Using multiple codicils can eventually create confusion, so if you’re making more than one or two changes, it may be better to draft a new will instead.
Appointing Guardians for Your Children
One of the most important decisions parents face is who will look after their children if both parents pass away before they reach adulthood. This guardian will make decisions about education, health, living arrangements, and more.
When choosing a guardian, consider their values, stability, location, and existing relationship with your child. Have an open conversation with your chosen guardian before naming them in your will. It’s a big responsibility—and one that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
According to GOV.UK, appointing a guardian in your will is the only legally binding way to ensure your children are cared for by the people you trust most.
Making Provisions for Stepchildren and Blended Families
Modern families come in all shapes and sizes. If you have stepchildren, adopted children, or children from previous relationships, you’ll need to be clear about how your estate should be divided.
Under UK law, stepchildren do not automatically inherit unless they are explicitly named in the will. You can use a codicil to include them if your original will was written before they joined the family.
Be specific in your language. For example, say “I leave £5,000 to my stepdaughter, Amy,” rather than simply “my children,” if you want to ensure all family members are recognised fairly.
Managing Financial Gifts and Future Assets
Children’s financial needs change as they grow. You might want to allocate money for education, support for house deposits, or ongoing living expenses.
A well-written will can include trusts, which allow you to control when and how your children receive their inheritance. For example, a trust could stipulate that your child receives funds for university at 18, but does not gain full control of their inheritance until 25.
You may also want to name trustees—people who manage these funds on behalf of your children. Make sure they are financially responsible and able to act in your child’s best interest.
Keep in mind that you might acquire new assets—such as property or investments—after writing your will. If your financial circumstances change, consider using a codicil to update your bequests accordingly.
Updating Your Will After Major Life Events
Life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your will. Any major life event is a prompt to review and update your will, either by using a codicil or drafting a new version.
These events include:
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Birth or adoption of a child.
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Marriage, civil partnership, or divorce.
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Death of a named executor or beneficiary.
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Buying or selling property.
Failing to update your will can lead to confusion or invalidate parts of it. For instance, getting married automatically cancels any existing will unless it was made in anticipation of marriage.
To stay on top of your will, set a calendar reminder to review it every two to three years—or sooner if there’s a big change in your life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, many parents make mistakes when writing or updating their will. These include:
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Forgetting to appoint guardians.
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Naming underage children as direct beneficiaries without setting up a trust.
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Using vague or ambiguous language.
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Failing to have the will or codicil properly witnessed.
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Not storing the will in a secure, known location.
According to the Law Society, one in three parents has no will at all—and many of those that do have out-of-date or incomplete documents.
Working with a solicitor helps avoid these common pitfalls and ensures your wishes are carried out exactly as you intended.
Store It Safely and Tell Someone Where It Is
Writing a will is only the first step. You’ll need to store it safely and let someone you trust know where it is. Ideally, your solicitor will keep a signed copy, and you should inform your executor or close family member where the original is kept.
You can also register your will with the National Will Register to ensure it’s discoverable after your death. This reduces the risk of your will being lost, forgotten, or ignored.
Final Thoughts: Planning Is a Gift
Writing or updating a will is one of the most generous things you can do for your children. It provides clarity during a difficult time and ensures that the people you love most are looked after.
A codicil is a powerful way to make minor changes, but it’s essential to follow the legal formalities. For bigger changes or after major life events, consider writing a new will with professional guidance.
Taking time now to get your affairs in order will give you—and your family—peace of mind for the future.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal advice. For tailored guidance on wills, codicils, guardianship, and estate planning, consult a qualified legal professional.
