What is a Codicil?

A Codicil to a will is an amendment to your Last Will and Testament and is used in some situations to save the expense and time of executing an entirely new document.

You may want to change the name of an executor, you may want to leave somebody out that you had already previously given something to.

A Codicil looks the same as a will but it is much shorter. It simply refers to the paragraph you want to change, makes the change and then you sign it in front of two witnesses and a notary in the same way that you executed your original Will.

Some issues should not be addressed in a Codicil and may require the execution of an entirely new document. Consult an attorney about when the use of a codicil is appropriate for your needs.

If you have a question about your estate plan please contact us.