A codicil is a written supplement to a person's will, which must be dated, signed and witnessed under the same legal rules applicable to the making of the original will, and must make some reference to the will it amends. A codicil can add to, subtract from, revoke or modify the terms of the original will. When the person dies, both the original will and the codicil are subject to the probate process and form the basis for administration of the estate and distribution of the assets of the deceased.
A codicil is used to avoid rewriting the entire will. A codicil should reference each section number of the will and the specific language that will be affected. It is important that a codicil is as clear and precise as possible to avoid undue complications.
Statutory provisions in the various jurisdictions specify the formal requisites of a valid will. This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.
Pennsylvania Changing Will with Codicil to Will Adding new Bequest and Republishing: In Pennsylvania, individuals have the opportunity to make changes to their existing wills through a process called "changing a will with codicil." This legal process allows individuals to modify their will by adding a new bequest and republishing the updated version. To understand the concept better, let's delve into the key aspects of this process: 1. Changing a Will with Codicil: Changing a will with codicil is a legal procedure that enables individuals to make amendments or additions to their existing will without completely rewriting the entire document. This process ensures that modifications are recognized and enforced by the Pennsylvania probate court. 2. Adding a New Bequest: A bequest refers to any specific provision made in a will, which describes how the estate assets should be distributed after the testator's (the person making the will) passing. By utilizing the process of changing a will with codicil, individuals can introduce new bequests. This means they can specify who should receive what assets, whether it's a particular sum of money, a property, valuable possessions, or charitable donations. 3. Republishing the Updated Will: Once the desired changes have been made using the codicil process, it is crucial to republish the updated version of the will to ensure its legal validity. Republishing involves executing the updated will with proper legal formalities, such as signing and witnessing, to authenticate the modifications and avoid any potential confusion or legal conflicts. Republishing safeguards the testator's intentions and ensures that the updated bequests are correctly followed. Variations of Pennsylvania Changing Will with Codicil to Will Adding new Bequest and Republishing: 1. Simple Codicil: A simple codicil is a straightforward amendment or addition made to an existing will, usually for minor changes or the introduction of a new bequest. It is often used when only a single provision needs modification or addition. 2. Complex Codicil: A complex codicil may be necessary when substantial changes are required, such as altering multiple provisions or significantly adjusting the distribution of assets. A complex codicil ensures comprehensive updates to the will, accommodating significant amendments or additions. 3. Substitution Codicil: A substitution codicil allows individuals to replace or substitute a specific bequest or provision in their will. This type of codicil is useful when the testator wants to revoke or alter an existing bequest altogether or replace it with a different one. 4. Contingent Codicil: A contingent codicil is used to make changes or additions to a will that are contingent upon certain events or conditions. This type of codicil ensures that the desired modifications will only come into effect if specific circumstances specified by the testator occur in the future. Remember, consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney in Pennsylvania is strongly recommended for successfully changing a will with codicil, adding new bequests, and republishing the updated will.
