What is a codicil?

A codicil is an amendment to a will. It is a legal document used to make changes to an existing will. In Florida, codicils must comply with the same legal requirements as wills, including being signed by the testator (person making the will) and two witnesses. A codicil can be used to make small changes to an existing will, such as changing a beneficiary or adding new provisions. It is important to note that codicils cannot be used to completely rewrite or revoke a will. If a person wishes to make large changes to their existing will, they must create a new one. Codicils also help avoid costly probate proceedings. Making changes to a will can be expensive and time-consuming in Florida. A codicil helps avoid these costs and time delays by allowing a testator to make a small change to an existing will without having to create a new one. In the event of conflicting provisions between the original will and a codicil, the codicil will usually supersede the will. However, codicils are not always binding, so they should be written carefully to ensure that they do not contradict or revoke any existing will provisions.

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