Changing will - what does someone need to do?

[thegrammerpolicesic]

My grandma wants to change her will slightly.
She has written a letter detailing the changes and signed it, in front of two independent witnesses.

Her main will is held with the solicitors. What does she need to do - just send the letter amending it to them?

I think it would be advisable to call her solicitor and ask their advice. If it's only a minor alteration they will probably recommend a codicil - effectively an official, witnessed document noting the required changes.

However, it may not be as simple as writing such a letter yourself and having it witnessed. The solicitor will advise you. If you don't do it properly it won't be recognised.

She needs to phone her solicitor and speak to him/her, about the changes.

I think she is trying to avoid calling the solicitor as it is so expensive - they charge her for breathing it seems!

Unfortunately, I think she will have to bite the bullet and phone them or risk her revisions being invalid. It's not so expensive. I paid £120 for a codicil earlier in the year to update the names of my Executors.

Thanks guys - I will persuade her it's worthwhile to ensure the changes are valid.

If she made it recently (past 5 years?), they will have it on the computer and will simply be able to change the bits she wants and print out a new Will. This shouldn't be horrifically expensive. No more than an hour's worth of time. The letter is unlikely to do the job I'm afraid.

I tend to incorporate changes into a new will rather than do a codicil mainly because it is a good opportunity to update details/legacies etc and I do not really see the benefit of a codicil...if changes are minor and solicitor prepared the previous one then you should suggest that they see your relative, make changes and preparenew will whilst she is there and have the new will executed there and then. Not a problem...and less than fifty quid in my practice.