Change or Revoke a Will – Codicil & New Will | Word/PDF/Excel

How do you change a will?

If the entire distribution of inheritance is to be changed, a new will is often the clearest way. If a specific provision is to be changed, a codicil can be used. For a codicil, the same formal requirements apply as when the will was drawn up according to Chapter 10, Section 6 of the Swedish Inheritance Code. The templates therefore clearly distinguish between a new, witnessed provision and a simple documentation of revocation.

How do you revoke a will?

According to Chapter 10, Section 5 of the Swedish Inheritance Code, a testator can revoke a provision by an act in the form of a will, by destroying the will themselves, or by otherwise unambiguously indicating that the provision no longer expresses the testator's ultimate intention. A revocation does not automatically appoint new beneficiaries. If something new is to be provided, a new correctly drawn-up testamentary document should be used.

How to use the package

1. Collect older wills, codicils, and information about the storage of the originals.
2. Examine whether there is a joint or mutual will, forced heirship issues, or conflicting provisions.
3. Choose the right document and adapt the wording. Do not use several alternative originals at the same time without a clear intention.
4. For a new will or codicil: arrange for the testator's signature and two eligible witnesses present at the same time according to the law.
5. Document where the signed original is located and check that previous and new documents can be distinguished.
6. Use Excel for internal document control, not as a substitute for testamentary documents.

Frequently asked questions

Can a will be revoked without witnesses?

Yes. A revocation can be informal if the testator unambiguously shows that the will no longer represents their ultimate intention. The question of evidence can, however, be difficult. For a new will or codicil, the usual formal requirements apply.

How many witnesses are needed for a codicil?

As a general rule, two eligible witnesses must be present at the same time when the testator signs or acknowledges their signature. The witnesses must know that the document is a will or codicil, but do not need to know the contents.

Can I revoke only part of the will?

This may be possible, but it is important to unambiguously identify which provision is intended and check what will continue to apply. A new formally correct codicil may be clearer if the distribution of inheritance is to be changed.

What applies in the case of a joint or mutual will?

Unilateral changes can have special consequences according to Chapter 10, Section 7 of the Swedish Inheritance Code. It is particularly important to review the conditions of previous mutual provisions.

Does a will need to be registered with the Swedish Tax Agency?

No, there is no general requirement to register a will with the Swedish Tax Agency for it to be drawn up. However, storage and evidence of the original are important.

Are the forced heirship rights of children affected?

The forced heirship rights of children follow from Chapter 7 of the Swedish Inheritance Code. Check how each new provision relates to the forced heirship and applicable time limits.

Can I use Excel as a will register?

Excel compiles the information that you enter yourself, but it is not a public register and cannot witness, sign, or legally validate the documents.

Are the PDF files fillable?

The PDF files are searchable and print-friendly. The editable templates are in Word; the Excel register is separate and editable.

Related document templates

To write a first will, there is Will – Word/PDF. For joint wills, there is Joint Will. See also Will with children from previous relationships and the separate process Service of a will. Read more legal guides and explore document categories.

Legal basis and scope

The basis is the Swedish Inheritance Code (1958:637), especially Chapter 7 and Chapter 10, Sections 1, 4–7, the Swedish Tax Agency's legal guidance, and the Supreme Court's ruling NJA 2022 s. 509. International circumstances, mutual wills, unclear previous revocations, or complicated forced heirship issues require special examination. The templates always require adaptation to the actual circumstances.