You can use our Codicil To Will form to amend a will that you have already written. You have the option to add all new provisions to the will or change existing ones. You may need to make revisions to a will you previously completed because certain situations or circumstances have changed. This happens quite a bit. To make sure that this Codicil to Will is legally sufficient for your needs, you should consult with an experienced lawyer.
Technically you can have more than one codicil, but it’s not wise if you believe your estate might be contested by one of the beneficiaries. Each and every codicil adds more leeway for misinterpretation of your actual intentions. If you execute two codicils that both change the beneficiaries of your estate, chances are at least one beneficiary is going to contest the first codicil, the second one, or both. When in doubt, it’s best to create a new will. In it you should reference the original will and state that it is now null and void.
Does a codicil have to be notarized?
In most states, a codicil does not have to be notarized. Most states allow that the codicil can be witnessed by two persons not named as beneficiaries in the will. The exception is the state of Louisiana, where the codicil must be notarized.
How do I write a codicil to my will?
To write a codicil to a will, you first must be the person who signed the original will. You cannot write a codicil to someone’s else will, not even your spouse’s. The codicil must reference the original will including the date on which it was signed. You should also indicate whether this is the first codicil to the will or if you’ve already executed other codicils.
Is a codicil legally binding?
Yes, a codicil is legally binding as long as it is correctly prepared. It must be witnessed by two persons not related to the signer or named as a beneficiary in the will. In the state of Louisiana the codicil must also be notarized.
What is a codicil to a will?
A codicil is a legal document executed to make modifications to an existing will, most often referred to as a Last Will and Testament. To define codicil, we don’t need to look in law books. It is a universally-accepted legal document that can be used to amend any legally-executed will.
What is the difference between a codicil and a will?
A will is a legally binding document that specifies how you would like your estate distributed after your death. A codicil is used to make changes to the original will. You cannot sign a codicil unless you first executed a will.
Example of a Codicil To Will
Codicil to Will Form
Codicil To Will Forms
Select the appropriate file to download the Codicil To Will in Microsoft Word. You may also create the Codicil To Will using our fillable PDF version. The PDF has fillable fields into which you can type the required information.
An addendum to a will is referred to as a codicil. The addendum can be used to add new assets you’d like to add to your estate. Perhaps you acquired a summer home that you’d like to leave to one of your grandchildren. The addendum can also be used to delete or correct stipulations in your will such as changing the executor or the named beneficiaries.
