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codicil

A codicil is a supplement to a previous will that adds to, modifies, amends, or revokes one or more provisions of the earlier will. Laws regarding codicils vary from state to state and in some states a codicil may not replace an earlier will—but in some states it may.

In Arkansas, a codicil is a legal instrument that is used to make changes to an existing will. It can add to, modify, amend, or revoke provisions of the will without the need to draft a new will entirely. However, for a codicil to be valid, it must comply with the same legal requirements as the original will. This means that the person making the codicil (the testator) must have the legal capacity to do so, the codicil must be in writing, and it must be signed by the testator and witnessed, typically by at least two disinterested witnesses, just like a will. While a codicil can make specific changes to the will, it does not replace the original will. Instead, it is read in conjunction with the will and is considered part of the will's terms. If there are any conflicts between the codicil and the will, the provisions in the codicil will generally prevail, provided the codicil was executed last and is valid under Arkansas law.

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Understanding Codicils: An Essential Guide to Amending Your Will

In the world of wills and estate planning, there's a savvy solution to avoid this hassle, and it's called a codicil. A codicil is like a legal 'P.S.' to your will. It allows you to make specific changes or additions without needing a full rewrite.

Arkansas State Code

Wills, trusts, and estates