What is a codicil?

A codicil serves as a legal document specifically intended to modify or supplement an existing will. It allows testators to make changes to their wills without the need to create an entirely new document. This can include adjustments to the distribution of assets, changes in beneficiaries, or updates in the appointment of executors. The codicil must be executed with the same formalities as a will—meaning it generally needs to be signed and witnessed—to be valid.

By enabling these amendments, a codicil provides a flexible way to ensure that a testator's final wishes are accurately reflected as circumstances change over time. This is particularly useful when modifications are minor or infrequent, as rewriting a complete will might be unnecessarily burdensome for both the testator and the estate administration process.