What is a codicil?
A codicil is a legal document that allows you to make changes to a will without having to completely rewrite it. It is usually used when a person wants to make minor modifications or updates to their estate plan without going through the time and expense of drafting a brand-new will. In West Virginia, a codicil must be signed, witnessed, and dated in the same manner as a will. It must also be written by the testator, or the person who is making the changes, and the witnesses must be present when the testator signs the codicil. The testator must also sign the codicil in the presence of two people who are not the beneficiaries of the will or codicil. In West Virginia, a codicil must also be filed with the original will in order to be valid and legally binding. If a codicil is not filed, it may not be recognized as part of the will and its changes may not be enforced. Codicils are important tools for individuals who want to make small changes to their estate plans without completely rewriting a will. They are a convenient and cost-effective way to update a will as needed without the hassle of creating a new one each time.
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