DIY Guide: Amending a Will Without a Lawyer

Table of Contents

• Creating a Codicil
• Handwritten Codicil
• Difference Between a Codicil and an Amendment to a Will
• What Makes a Codicil Invalid

How To Amend A Will Without A Lawyer?

Creating a Codicil

A codicil is a document used to amend an existing will without having to fully write a new one. The process of writing a codicil is similar to writing a will, in that it must be done with care and attention to detail. Before getting started, it is important to make sure that the codicil is properly witnessed, signed and dated.

The first step in writing a codicil is to include a reference to the original will. This should be done by including the original will’s date and name in the codicil. For example, “This is a codicil to the last will and testament of John Smith, dated 23rd January 2020.” This allows the codicil to be legally recognized and correctly integrated into the existing will.

The second step is to list the changes that are to be made to the will. This can be done in either a simple or a detailed manner. For example, if the testator wishes to give a different amount to a particular beneficiary, they can either state the new amount or list all of the changes in detail.

The third step is to include the instructions for disposing of any assets that are not mentioned in the codicil. This can be done by stating that any assets not mentioned in the codicil should be disposed of in accordance with the instructions in the original will.

Finally, the codicil must be signed, dated, and witnessed in the same manner as the original will. The witnesses must be at least 18 years of age and must sign the codicil in the presence of the testator.

Handwritten Codicil

In some cases, a codicil can be handwritten. This is usually only done in cases where the changes to the will are minor, such as a change in the amount given to a particular beneficiary or the addition of a new beneficiary.

A handwritten codicil must be written on a separate piece of paper and must be signed and dated by the testator. The codicil must also be witnessed by two people who are at least 18 years of age and must sign in the presence of the testator.

If the codicil is handwritten, it is important to make sure that it is kept with the original will. This is because if the codicil is not kept with the original will, it may not be legally recognized.

Difference Between a Codicil and an Amendment to a Will

The main difference between a codicil and an amendment to a will is that a codicil is used to make minor changes to an existing will, while an amendment is used to make major changes. Examples of major changes include changing the executor of the will, changing the beneficiaries of the will, or changing the terms of the will.

What Makes a Codicil Invalid

A codicil can be invalidated for a number of different reasons. The most common reason for a codicil to be invalidated is if it is not properly witnessed, signed, and dated. In order for a codicil to be legally valid, it must be witnessed, signed, and dated in the same manner as the original will.

Another common reason for a codicil to be invalidated is if it is unclear or ambiguous. If the codicil is not written in clear and straightforward language, it may not be legally valid.

Finally, a codicil can be invalidated if it is not kept with the original will. If the codicil is not kept with the original will, it may not be legally recognized.