What is a codicil?
A codicil is a legal document that is used to change or amend a person’s last will and testament. With a codicil, an individual can add, remove, or modify instructions listed in a will. A codicil must meet the same legal requirements as a will and must be properly and officially signed by the individual making the will, or testator, and witnessed by two or more people. In the state of Washington, if a codicil is added to a will, it can also include legal documents that explain how to distribute money, property, and other items after the testator passes away. The codicil must also provide details regarding who will be responsible for managing a person’s property and assets. A codicil is commonly used when an individual decides to change their resources or add new ones to the will after it is already established and in effect. Once the codicil is properly executed, it needs to be documented and filed with the court of probate. The codicil must also be kept with the original will, either in the probate court or with an individual’s lawyer. It is important to keep the original will and the codicil together since they are viewed as a single document.
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