Codicil to Will Form

Use our Codicil to Will template to modify your Last Will and Testament.

Codicil to last will and testament form

Updated October 4, 2023
Written by Sara Hostelley | Reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

A Codicil to Will is a written document altering, amending, explaining, revoking, or adding to a previously executed Last Will and Testament.

A Codicil is needed to reflect any essential changes in your life and the impact they have on the dispositions and arrangements after your death you had previously made in a properly executed Last Will.

What is a Codicil to Will?
When Do I Need a Codicil to Will?
Why You Should Use a Codicil to Will Form
Codicil to Will Sample

What is a Codicil to Will?

A Codicil is a legal document that specifies any modifications or adaptations to your last will, like adding new arrangements. To be able to update your will ( which you should revise once in a while ), you’ll need to create a codicil.

This document can be either annexed to your Will or become an entirely new legal document.

When Do I Need a Codicil to Will?

A Codicil should be used for minor changes and alterations to your original will. It should not substantially change the meaning of the original will or affect the overall purpose of the original will.

Here are some ways it can be used:

Change the Executor: The executor is the person you appoint to handle your estate’s distribution and ensure the directions in your Last Will are followed. If, for whatever reason, you want to change the executor named in your original will, you have the right to do so.
Appoint a Guardian: If you get a dog after you execute your Last Will, you can update it by appointing a guardian to take responsibility for your four-legged friend after you pass.
Redistribute Assets: If you become invested in a new charity or a named beneficiary dies or otherwise leaves your life, you can change the original distribution of assets in your Last Will.
Distribute New Assets: If you have purchased a new property, you can update your Last Will by detailing how the new assets will be distributed.
Plan Your Funeral: Perhaps you recently decided you don’t want a traditional burial and want your ashes scattered across the Pacific Ocean. You can change just that part of your original will rather than rewriting the entire thing.
Correct Mistakes: If you discover one of your beneficiaries’ names is misspelled or one of your items is improperly described, it is essential to correct that mistake to avoid confusion later.

If the changes required are drastic, you may make a new will instead of using a codicil will to make alterations. Learn more about what to consider when writing a Last Will.

Remember that if you are substantially altering your Last Will, you are better off revoking it and drafting a new will rather than using this document—the more complicated the alteration, the higher the likelihood of future disputes and unenforceability.

The original Will and each Codicil need to be proven to be accurate and authentic statements of your wishes during the probate process, which can create unnecessary confusion and aggravation for your loved ones.

A Codicil should not be used when

the changes are inherently different from the heart or nature of the distributions of the original will,
all or most of the gifts have been destroyed or sold,
the testator divorces, marries, or has a falling out with a beneficiary,
a new child is born or adopted,
the testator undergoes a significant change in financial status, or it will create uncertainty or ambiguities.

Although a Codicil is a separate legal document from your Last Will, it must be stored and kept with your Last Will for it to be legally enforceable.

A Codicil also requires that the testator abides by the exact formal execution requirements as a will, so the process is not any more straightforward than creating a new will.

Therefore, creating a new will may be advisable if you make minor changes in most situations.

2. Why You Should Use a Codicil to Will Form

Life is ever-changing and unpredictable; sometimes, circumstances change enough to warrant a revision to your Last Will. However, if you want to make a change, you can’t simply cross out the unwanted provisions and write in new ones.

Without this form, you will be unable to have your Last Will reflect the changes in your life, thus leaving nothing or the wrong items to loved ones or even the wrong people.

Ademption

Sometimes, certain gifts left to beneficiaries are no longer in the state or are substantially changed and, therefore, fail or are deemed.

Ademption generally occurs in two forms: ademption by extinction and ademption by satisfaction.

Ademption by extinction occurs when the property bequeathed is no longer in the testator’s estate or is substantially changed and, therefore, cannot be given to the beneficiary. For example, if you leave your farm to your niece, but at the time of your death, you no longer own the farm, or the farm is now a luxury hotel, the gift can no longer be given to your niece and is deemed by extinction.
Ademption by satisfaction occurs when the testator gives the bequest in the will to the beneficiary while the testator is still alive. For example, if in your will you leave your Rolex to your grandson but decide to give the watch to him for his high school graduation, the gift can no longer be provided once you pass and is deemed by satisfaction.

Circumstances such as ademption or other mistakes may leave openings for family members to contest other parts of your Last Will. A Codicil allows you to make minor changes or correct small mistakes without the time and expense of drafting a whole new will.

Here is a chart of possible consequences a Codicil could help prevent for a testator and beneficiaries of the will:

Testator	Beneficiaries
Your recent ex-spouse administering your estate and assets	An incompetent or prejudiced executor improperly carry out the testator’s wishes
Having a guardian who is deceased still be the named guardian for your children or loved ones	Living with a guardian who the testator did not appoint to care for you
Gifting an asset(s) that no longer exists at the time of your death	Not receiving a gift because the gift doesn’t exist at the time of the testator’s death
Gifting an asset(s) that can be interpreted to have different meanings	Not receiving a gift because the testator didn’t specify the asset and their charitable intent
Failing to have your will reflect the changing circumstances of your life and charitable intent	Not being provided for because the testator’s charitable intent could not be ascertained
Confusion and fighting amongst family members as to who receives what	Confusion and aggravation from having a court interpret the will

Codicil to Will Sample

We offer you our sample and template for free. To begin adjusting your last will, download one of our free Codicil to Will templates in PDF or MS Word format and complete it independently.