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Wills, trusts, and estates

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 Washington State, 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, the codicil must comply with the same legal formalities as the original will to be valid. This means it must be in writing, signed by the testator (the person making the will), and witnessed by at least two individuals who are present at the same time and who understand that the document is the testator's will or codicil. If these formalities are not met, the codicil may not be legally enforceable. It's important to note that while a codicil can make specific changes to a will, it does not replace the original will. Instead, it is read in conjunction with the will and only alters the specific provisions mentioned in the codicil.

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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.

Washington State Code

Wills, trusts, and estates