Alterations

If someone makes changes to their will after it has already been created, those changes will only be valid if they follow the rules for making a will set out in the law.

If the changes are not made properly, they will not be considered valid, unless they make certain words or meanings no longer clear.

However, if the changes are made in accordance with the law, they will be valid.

Revocations

if a will or part of a will has been cancelled or revoked, it can only be brought back to life or revived by making a new will or codicil (an amendment to a will) that specifically shows the intention to revive the cancelled or revoked part of the will.

However, if the will was partly revoked and then later wholly revoked, the revival does not extend to the part that was revoked before the whole revocation.

Revival

If a will is revived or re-executed by a codicil, it is considered to have been made at the time when it was revived or re-executed.

Unless the will indicates otherwise, it will be considered as if it was made immediately before the person's death for the purpose of dealing with their property and any claims or interests they may have had.

NB Wills Act s.18, 19, 21