Can I write changes on my signed will?

No. Handwritten changes on a signed will may not be valid and can cause doubt about the rest of it. Make a new will instead.

What happens to my old will when I sign a new one?

A new will usually says that it revokes earlier wills. Keep your new original safe and tell your executor which will is current.

Keeping your will safe

When should you update your will?

Review your will at least once a year, and update it whenever something important changes in your family, your property or the people you have named.

In 30 seconds

Look at it once a year

A short yearly check makes sure your will still matches your family and what you own.

Family changes matter most

Marriage, separation, divorce, a new child or a death in the family are all reasons to review.

So does what you own

Buying land, starting a business or moving money abroad may need new instructions.

Changes need proper signing

You can't just cross things out. An updated will must be printed and signed with witnesses again.

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A will reflects your life at the time you sign it. Marriage, children, a new property, a business, or a change in your relationship with the people you named can all mean your will no longer says what you want.

Signs your will needs updating

Your will should change when your life does. Common reasons include:

You marry, remarry, separate or divorce
You have or adopt a child, or a child turns 18
Someone named in your will dies or you lose touch with them
You buy or sell land, a house or a business
You move to another state or country
Your executor or guardian can no longer act

How to change a will

Don't write on or cross out parts of a signed will. Changes made that way may not count, and can cause doubt about the whole document.

Instead, a new will is prepared and signed properly on paper with witnesses. On Wills.ng you update your plan, a lawyer reviews the changes, and you sign the new will.

Marriage can affect an existing will

In some circumstances marriage can cancel a will made before it. If you have married or are planning to, review your will. A lawyer can confirm what applies to you.

Key points

Review your will every year.
Update it after marriage, children, divorce or a big change in what you own.
Every update must be printed and signed with witnesses again.

Common mistakes

Writing changes on a signed will.
Forgetting to replace an executor who can no longer act.

Questions people ask

Can I write changes on my signed will?: No. Handwritten changes on a signed will may not be valid and can cause doubt about the rest of it. Make a new will instead.
What happens to my old will when I sign a new one?: A new will usually says that it revokes earlier wills. Keep your new original safe and tell your executor which will is current.

Ready to make your will?

Answer plain-English questions at your own pace. A qualified lawyer reviews your will before you sign it.

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What is a will?A will is a signed document that says who should receive what you own when you die, and who should deal with it.

This guide is general information, not legal advice about your circumstances. A qualified lawyer reviews your will before you sign it.

Last updated 24 September 2026.