Originally published: 20 March 2015 | Last updated: 27 April 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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TL;DR:<\/strong> In South Africa, any change to a Will requires witnessing to be valid. You can update your Will by creating a codicil (a witnessed amendment) or by writing an entirely new Will that revokes the previous one. With online services like LegalWills.co.za<\/a>, updating is simple\u2014edit online, print, sign, and witness the new version.\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Every change to a Last Will and Testament in South Africa must be witnessed to be legally valid. There are two methods for updating your Will: adding a codicil (a formal amendment) or creating an entirely new Will that revokes the previous version. The best approach depends on the nature and extent of the changes.<\/p>\n\n\n
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$\"Updating$ <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
What Is a Codicil?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A codicil is a separate legal document that amends specific provisions of an existing Will without replacing the entire document. Like a Will, a codicil must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two competent witnesses. Learn more about what a codicil is and when to use one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Should You Create a New Will Instead of a Codicil?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A new Will is recommended when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Multiple changes are needed (new executor, new beneficiaries, new asset allocation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The original Will has already been amended by one or more codicils<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Major life events have occurred (marriage, divorce, birth of children, significant asset changes)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The existing Will is outdated or poorly drafted<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A new Will should include a revocation clause that explicitly cancels all previous Wills and codicils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can You Cross Out Sections of an Existing Will?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No. Handwritten alterations, cross-outs, or additions to a signed Will are not valid in South Africa unless each change is signed by the testator and both witnesses. This is why creating a new Will or a properly executed codicil is always the better option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Do Online Will Services Make Updating Easier?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With LegalWills.co.za<\/a>, updating your Will is straightforward:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Log in to your account<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Make the necessary changes online<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Print the complete new Will<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sign every page with two witnesses present<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Destroy all copies of the old Will<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
This approach eliminates the need for separate codicils and ensures your Will is always a single, clear, up-to-date document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Often Should You Update Your Will?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Review your Will every 1\u20132 years, and immediately after any major life event including marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, significant property changes, or relocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do I need witnesses every time I update my Will in South Africa?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes. Any change to a Will\u2014whether a codicil or a new Will\u2014must be signed and witnessed by two competent witnesses to be legally valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I update my Will without a lawyer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes. Online services like LegalWills.co.za allow you to update your Will at any time without a lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Often Should You Update Your Will?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nReview your Will every 1\u20132 years, and immediately after any major life event including marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, significant property changes, or relocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do I need witnesses every time I update my Will in South Africa?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nYes. Any change to a Will\u2014whether a codicil or a new Will\u2014must be signed and witnessed by two competent witnesses to be legally valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Often Should You Update Your Will?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Review your Will every 1\u20132 years, and immediately after any major life event including marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, significant property changes, or relocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need witnesses every time I update my Will in South Africa?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes. Any change to a Will\u2014whether a codicil or a new Will\u2014must be signed and witnessed by two competent witnesses to be legally valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n