Codicil for Last Will and Testament

A codicil for last will and testament is a document used to amend a will. It can also be used to add supplementary information to an individual's will. The codicil can be used to:

• Add new provisions to the will.
• Subtract or alter existing provisions in the will.
• Offer an explanation as to the contents of the will.

Valid Codicil for Last Will and Testament

For a codicil for last will and testament to be legally valid, it must be signed and witnessed in the same way as a will. When the codicil is executed correctly in this manner, it forms part of the will. Codicils are attached to the will they refer to; they are not stand-alone documents.

There may be more than one codicil to a will. The codicil does not automatically revoke a will unless specifically stated in the document. If a person wants to make a number of changes to his or her will, he or she should have a new will drawn up.

Handwritten Codicil

A codicil to a last will and testament does not always have to be typed and witnessed to be considered valid. In a number of regions in the United States, a handwritten or holographic will is an acceptable legal amendment. The definition of will has been interpreted by the courts to include a codicil.

A holographic will must be in the handwriting of the person making the will, also known as the testator. It must also be signed to be valid. In some circumstances, the court will accept a holograph will that has not been witnessed.

In order to prove that the holographic codicil or will was made by the testator, the court will consider statements from witnesses. A handwriting expert may also give an opinion as to whether the handwriting on the codicil or will is, in fact, that of the deceased.

Creating a will is very simple, so a holographic will should only be used as a last resort.

Benefits of Using a Codicil

The main benefit of using a codicil as opposed to making up a new will is economic. It is much less expensive to have a codicil prepared than an entire new will. However, if the changes a person wishes to make are extensive, then preparing a new will is a better choice.

When To Use A Codicil

Here is a situation in which adding a codicil to an existing will makes sense. If your will indicated that you wanted to leave a piece of personal property, such as jewelry, antiques, or a car to a specific person, but you no longer own that item, using a codicil enables you to change the provision to a different piece of property. The person you originally chose can still benefit from your estate; only the item they will receive has changed.

Codicils and Probate

When a person dies, his or her will (and any codicils thereto) are filed with the court. The process of settling a person's estate is known as probate. The procedures are followed whether the deceased person made a will or not.

The purpose of the probate process is to determine the identity of the beneficiaries of the estate and to distribute the property of the deceased to these individuals. Any taxes owed by the deceased are paid before the property is transferred to his or her heirs. Additionally, any debts incurred by the deceased must be paid before the estate can be settled.

Estate planning can bring up some complicated issues. If you are not sure about the best way to change your will, or you have questions about a codicil for last will and testament, consult with an attorney to get legal advice that is appropriate to your situation.

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