Codicil

Codicil: Create a Verified Amendment to Your Will

A verified codicil is a document that changes part of an existing will, while leaving the rest in place. You can use it to add, change or remove a gift, change an executor or guardian, or make another small change. Robot Lawyer drafts the codicil from your answers, for the law of the country or state you choose. On the Verified plan, a legal professional checks it before you sign.

CONTENTS

What Is a Codicil?

A codicil is read together with your will. It must identify the will it changes, set out each change precisely and confirm the rest of the will. Because it is a testamentary document, it must be signed and witnessed in the same way as a will.

When Do You Need One?

• Changing a gift
  Adding, changing or removing a gift to a person or charity.
• Changing an executor or guardian
  Replacing someone who can no longer act.
• Small updates
  A new address, a new grandchild or a change of name.

What's Included in Your Codicil?

• Your details
  Your name and address.
• The will
  The date of the will being changed.
• The changes
  Each change, set out clearly by clause.
• Confirmation
  That the rest of your will stays in force.
• Signing and witnessing
  An attestation clause for you and two witnesses.

Signing a Codicil (UK Only)

In England and Wales, a codicil must be signed by you in the presence of two witnesses who are both present at the same time, and who then sign it in your presence, under the Wills Act 1837. A witness, or the spouse or civil partner of a witness, shouldn't receive anything under the will or codicil, or their gift may fail. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules. If you are making several changes, a new Last Will and Testament is often clearer.

How It Works on Robot Lawyer

1. Answer the questions
   Tell us about you, your will and the changes you want.
2. Generate your codicil
   We draft a clear codicil with the right signing section.
3. Get it verified
   On the Verified plan, a qualified legal professional checks the codicil within 24 hours and makes amendments where needed. See how our documents are verified.
4. Sign and witness
   Sign it in front of two independent witnesses, then keep it with your will.

Codicil FAQs

When should I make a new will instead of a codicil?

If the changes are large, or you already have several codicils, a new will is usually better and less likely to cause confusion.

Does marriage affect a codicil?

In England and Wales, marriage or civil partnership usually revokes an existing will, and any codicil with it, unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage.

Where should I keep my codicil?

With your original will, in a safe place your executors know about. Don't staple anything to the will.

Create a Verified Codicil

Update your will simply and correctly. Related documents: Last Will and Testament, Living Trust, Deed of Variation and Ordinary Power of Attorney.